Resistance forces near full control of Katha as over 50 Myanmar junta soldiers captured alive

Mizzima

Revolutionary forces are close to gaining full control of Katha in Sagaing Region as of the morning of 31 December, having seized a major Myanmar junta base at the town’s entrance and allowing residents previously blocked by junta troops to finally evacuate.

A revolutionary member stated that they captured a military outpost at the entrance of Katha on 31 December morning and are now close to gaining full control of the town.

“We have seized one of the entrance gates, and almost all other areas have been captured. Details will be released by Military Region No. 1,” he said today at 11:00 am.

Revolutionary forces began their assault on Katha on the night of 28 December. By the night of 29 December, soldiers and police reportedly fled from the Township General Administration Office and the Township Police Station.

On 30 December, junta forces responded with heavy aerial bombardments after revolutionary forces arrived in the town and attacked the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 309 camp.

“Detailed information regarding the attack on LIB 309 is not yet available. No aircraft have been spotted this morning,” a revolutionary member said at 11:20 am on 31 December.

According to a report by Khit Thit Media, more than 50 junta soldiers were captured alive during the battles in Katha.

Katha is one of the townships included in the first phase of the elections held by the Myanmar junta. Revolutionary forces launched the operation to capture the town on 28 December; the very day the polls took place.