Heavy fighting has broken out in Moebye township, located on the border of Shan State and Karenni State, after the military council launched an offensive with over 600 troops, resulting in 23 casualties on the military side according to officials from People’s Defense Force Strategic Command-1. From May 6 to May 16, the military council, along with People’s Militia Force and PNO troops, launched a three-pronged attack by land and water routes against revolutionary forces controlling Moebye town.
The military council advanced with one column into Moebye town proper, another through Moebye Kontha, and a third column along the border of Pekon and Nyaung Shwe townships. These advances were met with resistance from People’s Defense Force units under the Shan South-Kayah (Karenni) Military Region, Southern Shan Military Sub-Region PDF Strategic Command-1. During the battles, at least 18 military council troops were killed with many others wounded. Additionally, revolutionary forces managed to shoot down two large combat drones operated by the military and PNO joint forces.
During the fighting in Moebye town, the military council employed chemical weapons and poison gas bombs while conducting indiscriminate artillery strikes. Revolutionary forces captured military equipment including three MA3 rifles, one MA1 rifle, and various ammunition. Sixteen militia members also surrendered to the resistance forces. The military council burned down more than 20 homes in Sunt Swe village in Nyaung Shwe township. During the period of fighting, three resistance fighters were killed or wounded. The military council’s attempts to retake control of Moebye have involved deploying large numbers of conscripted soldiers and using excessive force, including chemical weapons and heavy artillery, while revolutionary forces continue to defend the area with support from local populations.
