According to statements and reports from People’s Defense Forces across Myanmar, eight members of the military council forces were killed in various clashes on May 20. The People’s Defense Forces from different regions have confirmed casualties on the military council’s side following engagements with their troops. The fighting primarily occurred in the northern, eastern, and western regions of the country, where People’s Defense Forces conducted offensive operations against military council outposts and defended against military council offensives.
However, it is important to note that independent journalists and free media organizations have not been able to verify these reported military casualties on the ground. The military council has placed restrictions on media freedom and access to information, preventing journalists from entering conflict zones and controlling information flow. As a result, independent news organizations cannot directly verify battle reports and casualty figures from these areas. These limitations on press freedom and access to conflict zones make it difficult to independently confirm the exact number of casualties and the precise details of engagements.
The People’s Defense Forces regularly issue daily updates on their military operations and battle results, including reports of military council casualties, captures, and seized weapons and ammunition. However, it should be specifically noted that these reports are based on direct statements from the respective defense forces and have not yet received verification from independent organizations. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in confirming military engagement outcomes in Myanmar’s current context, where access to information and independent verification remain severely limited due to restrictions imposed by the military council.
