Myanmar military column advancing in Chaung-U hit by mines during retreat

Mizzima

A Myanmar military junta column with a strength of about 300 troops that had been advancing in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, retreated 3 September, according to a military news source.

Following their retreat, revolutionary forces entered the villages to conduct area clearance operations, during which they discovered the decomposing bodies of three local residents and dead cattle.

“They are already decomposing. Furthermore, I want people to flee immediately as soon as they hear news of an advancing military column. Seeing civilians being killed makes me sad and angry. They could have fled, yet they didn’t,” the military source said.

Mizzima is still investigating the detailed information regarding the deceased. The retreating military column also reportedly plundered and carried away the belongings of local residents.

“On their way back after looting, they hit landmines planted by our side. There are likely many casualties. Ambulances were seen rushing back and forth in total chaos,” the military source added.

The military column and revolutionary forces clashed for about an hour on 1 September. That same day, two local residents were killed when junta troops fired indiscriminately.

The junta column began its offensive on 29 August and retreated about a week later. Due to the military column’s operations, residents from about 10 villages in Chaung-U Township were forced to flee. The military source urged local residents to remain highly vigilant of landmine hazards if they return to their villages.