A military column was attacked with mines in Gyobingauk Township, Bago Region, resulting in three soldiers’ deaths and seven injuries, according to a responsible official from the Thayarwaddy District PDF. The incident occurred around 5 AM on March 8, when Battalion 3802, Unit 6 Black Dragon GBK-PDF members ambushed a military column of approximately 50 soldiers who were advancing through farmlands near Yonechaung village. The attack took place along the communication route between Uyin Gyi and Yonechaung.
Following the attack, the military forcibly took civilians from Yonechaung village as human shields to carry their dead and wounded soldiers. The military column had advanced from Alaykon camp through the farmlands of Yonechaung village before retreating toward Yonechaung after the attack. The exact number of villagers detained remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine how many civilians were taken by the military forces. The military’s use of civilian human shields has been a recurring tactic in their operations, putting local populations at severe risk.
The Thayarwaddy District PDF has issued warnings to civilians to avoid areas where military columns are operating to prevent being used as human shields. Furthermore, Battalion 3802, Unit 6 Black Dragon GBK-PDF has announced their commitment to continue resistance operations against military offensive actions. They have urged local residents to remain vigilant for their safety and to support the PDF’s military operations. The ongoing conflict in the region highlights the military’s continued use of civilian populations as tactical assets, despite international laws prohibiting such practices.
