Resistance forces successfully attacked military council troops stationed in Myaynatt village, Ayartaw Township, Sagaing Region, rescuing four civilians and one monk who were being held hostage by the military council. According to the military affairs officer of the Budalin Township People’s Defense Force, the attack took place around 10 AM on July 17, targeting military council troops who had split into two groups and were stationed at a monastery and a nunnery in Myaynatt village. The operation was carefully planned and executed by multiple resistance groups working in coordination.
During the battle, military council troops suffered casualties, with surviving soldiers retreating to Ngwetwinn Pyusawthi village after sustaining heavy losses. The resistance forces discovered the hostages when they attacked the monastery where military council troops were stationed. The troops had abandoned their hostages during their retreat, allowing the resistance forces to rescue them. It was later revealed that the civilian hostages had been captured by the military council while they were working in the forest, having accidentally encountered military troops during their work.
The operation involved a coordinated effort from multiple resistance groups, including the Budalin Township PDF and local units, Monywa District Battalion (20) BOB, Ayartaw Township PDF and local units, Monywa District Strategy (66), Yay Oo Township People’s Defense Groups including Galaxy Force, Dhuwa, Phoenix, and Shwebo District Battalion 24. Following the battle, resistance forces successfully reclaimed all positions previously held by the military council troops, according to confirmation from resistance officials. The successful operation demonstrated the growing capabilities of resistance forces in coordinating large-scale operations and their commitment to protecting civilians from military council aggression.
