Myanmar resistance force seizes junta bases in Yedashe amid heavy airstrikes near Naypyidaw

Mizzima

The People’s Defence Force (PDF) under the Naypyidaw Military Region Command has seized several junta bases in Ywathit village, Yedashe Township, Taungoo District, Bago Region, on 20 October, according to the group. The junta has since launched continuous air and artillery attacks in retaliation.

PDF units captured the main military outpost and nearby positions on the eastern bank of the Sittaung River. The group said 15 junta troops, including Deputy Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Nyi Nyi Naing from the Air Defence Force, were killed in the assault, while two soldiers were taken prisoner. The operation was confirmed by the Naypyidaw Region PDF on 21 October.

“Airstrikes and heavy shelling continue. Today alone, two or three paramotors dropped bombs. We’ve also received reports of additional junta casualties in follow-up clashes, though details are still emerging,” PDF spokesperson Bo Lat Ya told Mizzima.

He said Yedashe, Swar, and Yenin are key strategic towns controlling access to Naypyidaw through both the old and new Yangon–Mandalay highways, adding that their capture would isolate the military’s administrative capital.

“If these towns fall, Naypyidaw will be cut off. That’s why the junta is fighting desperately to hold them,” he said.

The junta has reportedly deployed aircraft carrying 500-pound bombs, 120mm artillery, and paratroopers in attempts to retake the bases. Fighting in the area remains fierce.