A military column entering Nga Tharauk sub-township in Nyaung-U District, Mandalay Region, was ambushed by revolutionary forces, resulting in the death of 74 soldiers and militia members, with the entire column being destroyed, according to a responsible official from the Bagan Bilu Force. The battle took place on March 14 at 1:30 PM when resistance forces attacked the military column between Htauk Wa and Ohyin villages. During the engagement, 69 soldiers were killed on the spot, while 5 additional soldiers and militia members who were severely wounded and transported to Nyaung-U Hospital later died on the morning of March 16.
The military column consisted of approximately 80 personnel and was completely destroyed during the battle. Only three soldiers managed to escape by forcibly stealing motorcycles from civilians and fleeing to the Nga Tharauk police station. A significant amount of weapons and ammunition was seized during the operation. Although the military council attempted to provide air support during the battle, they arrived after the resistance forces had already retreated to secure locations, preventing any aerial bombardment. The battle was led by Comrade Byat Wi from the Bagan Bilu Force and Comrade Nga Tae, who coordinated the joint operation involving multiple resistance groups including the Bagan Bilu Force, Burmese Guerrilla Force, Thaung Tha Township PDF, Scorpion People Defense Force, Nyaung-U District Battalion 5, and Myingyan District Battalion 3. During the engagement, one PDF member was killed and another was wounded.
Officials have also warned that there have been reports of fraudulent activities in the Nyaung-U District, with some individuals falsely using the Bagan Bilu Force name to collect donations and extort money from civilians. The public has been requested to report any such incidents to the appropriate authorities. The Bagan Bilu Force has emphasized that they do not have any subsidiary units and do not engage in threatening civilians for money. They have advised that those wishing to provide genuine support can do so safely through their official Page Messenger channel.
