A spokesperson from the Thayarwaddy District PDF has confirmed that more than 30 military council soldiers were killed when People’s Defense Forces ambushed a military column of over 70 troops in the Bago Yoma region of Minhla Township, Bago Region. The incident occurred on April 27 around 9 AM when the military column, which had departed from a monastery in Thawkun village in Minhla Township, reached Ngmoeheip village. The ambush was carried out by a joint force of PDF battalions from the Thayarwaddy District.
The battle involved exchanges of heavy and light weapons and lasted approximately two hours. At around 10:50 AM, the arrival of a Mi-35 helicopter and two fighter jets forced the military council troops to retreat in disarray. During the engagement, PDF forces recovered 10 bodies of military soldiers, along with 11 small arms, one 60mm mortar, ammunition, and various military equipment. The military casualties were confirmed to be over 30 based on internal military reports.
Due to the military council’s failure to retrieve their casualties, PDF forces have been conducting burial operations for the deceased soldiers. In retaliation, military council forces have been burning villages in the area. Following the battle, joint forces from Thayarwaddy District PDF battalions and Bago District battalions have been conducting area clearance operations. This battle demonstrates the growing strength of PDF forces in the Bago Yoma region and indicates the military council’s weakening control over the area. The successful operation involved coordination between multiple PDF units, including Battalions 3802, 3803, and 3801 from Thayarwaddy District, along with various specialized units such as the Underground Guerrilla Force-Oatpho and the Dragon Brothers.
