In Tanintharyi Region’s Kawthaung District, a team from the People’s Defense Force (PDF) intercepted and attacked police officers from Maran Police Station who were returning after collecting protection money in Kamauk Gyi Township. The attack resulted in the deaths of three police officers, including the station commander, and the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The incident occurred around 5 PM on April 9 near Phauk Thut village, when Police Captain Min Aung Soe and his team were returning from Air Chan Thar village after collecting monthly payments from human traffickers, rubber buyers, and drug dealers.
The attack resulted in the deaths of Police Captain Min Aung Soe, Deputy Police Lieutenant Myo Linn Ko, and Police Lance Corporal Son Yu, while Police Sergeant Maung Tu was injured. The police team was traveling in two groups – some on motorcycles and others in a car. Of the two motorcycle riders, one was injured while the other escaped. The three officers in the car were killed when their vehicle plunged into a ravine during the attack. The PDF forces successfully seized various weapons and ammunition during the operation.
The seized items included one 40mm launcher, ten bombs, two AK-style rifles, five ammunition magazines, ninety-four rounds of ammunition, one 9mm pistol, fifty pistol rounds, one revolver, one .38 caliber pistol, three hand grenades, four mobile phones, and 25,000 kyats in cash. The operation was carried out by the Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Force, who were able to withdraw from the area successfully without suffering any casualties. This incident represents another successful operation against forces collecting illegal payments from local businesses and individuals in the region.
