A senior official from the 5th Battalion of Minbu District has confirmed that military council forces’ offensive operations in Salin Township, Magway Region, resulted in the deaths of 6 civilians and the destruction of nearly 300 homes by arson. On May 13, approximately 250 soldiers from Light Infantry Division 101, Infantry Battalion 255, and Pyu Saw Htee militia entered through West Kanbaung Road from Salin town towards Wanpyay village. The advancing military column was attacked with two large drone-dropped bombs near Peindapin and Ngalinpan villages on the evening of May 15, followed by 60mm commando mortar strikes on the night of May 16.
Intense fighting broke out at the northern end of the bridge near Gwekone-Ngathankaung village in Salin Township at noon on May 19, lasting until 3 PM. Another battle erupted in the same area at 10 AM on May 22, continuing until 5 PM. On May 23, heavy exchange of fire occurred in Sanechaung and Shweku villages, and on May 24 around 3 PM, resistance forces launched another attack on military council troops who were stationed in Ohte village. The official reported that over 30 military council soldiers were killed, including more than 20 who died in direct combat. The military council forces killed 6 civilians from Gwekone, Ngathankaung, and Sanechaung villages, and are currently reorganizing their forces through the Linzin police station.
The military council forces destroyed over 80 houses in Gwekone village, more than 50 houses in Ngathankaung village, over 50 houses in Sanechaung village, nearly 100 houses in Ohte village, and one house in Kantha village through arson. The attacks were jointly carried out by the 5th Battalion of Minbu District in coordination with allied forces including the Bamar Army, Magway Region Special Operations Battalion SR-7, Magway PDF YENANTHAR COLUMN, Salin Township PDF, Pakokku District Battalion 19, and the Southern Pauk Health and Nursing Team. One member of the People’s Defense Force sacrificed their life for the country and the federal democratic system during these operations. The military council conducted two airstrikes during the 13-day offensive operation.
