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 in action, while 5 others who were severely wounded and transported to Nyaung-U Hospital later died on 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. The resistance forces seized a significant amount of weapons and ammunition during the operation. The battle began at 1:30 PM and concluded after about three hours. Although the military council attempted to provide air support, it arrived after the battle had ended and resistance forces had already reached secure locations, preventing any aerial bombardment.
The operation was led by Comrade Byat Wi from the Bagan Bilu Force and Comrade Nga Tae from the Burmese Guerrilla Force, who coordinated with 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 battle, one resistance fighter was killed and another was wounded. Additionally, authorities have warned that there are reports of fraudulent groups using the Bagan Bilu Force’s name to extort money and collect unauthorized donations in the Nyaung-U District. The public has been requested to report any such incidents to the appropriate authorities.
