Army Deploys Two Divisions for Defense of Nat Yae Kan Strategic Base, Also Seeking Airstrike Support

To defend the crucial Nat Yae Kan base of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in the Padang Military Township of Magway Region, the military has deployed up to two divisions in large numbers to establish defensive positions. Furthermore, it has been learned from local military intelligence sources that airstrike support is being utilized in the ongoing battles with the Arakan Army (AA). To prevent the ground base of the Nat Yae Kan strategic area from falling, the military has deployed large numbers of troops from the 17th Light Infantry Division and the newly reinforced 10th Light Infantry Division, as well as from the 905th Marine Infantry Battalion, to prepare defensive positions. However, it is understood that the ground columns are suffering casualties, and they are primarily relying on airstrike support. Approximately four aircraft, including jet fighters and Y-12 planes, intensely bombed Pazi village, Guk Gyi village, and the surrounding areas of Nat Yae Kan from 12:00 AM on August 2 until past 2:00 AM today, it was learned. "The aircraft came in groups and attacked. We could hear and see them taking off from the Magway Air Force Base all the time. It is likely that they were providing cover fire for the military convoys that could not advance in the previous days," a local resident of Magway told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. In addition, it has been learned that the military is conducting airstrikes in several locations along the road connecting Thaphanyoung in Minthone Township and Talain Taung in Ann Township, as well as at the foothills of the Yooma Mountains above Thaphanyoung village. On July 25, a military convoy of 70 military vehicles advancing along the Nat Yae Kan route was attacked near Guk Gyi and Pazi and was forced to retreat. Subsequently, some members of the 101st Division who retreated back towards Magway have continued to move south across the Pakokku Bridge in the last three days, according to a warning statement released by the revolutionary forces. Photo: Social Media