A spokesperson from the Kawthaung Township People’s Defense Force has confirmed that three military council soldiers, including a warrant officer, were killed during clashes in the Malewan region of Kawthaung Township, Tanintharyi Division. The battle occurred on April 29th when approximately 70 military council troops entered the Thaekyatkyin area of Malewan village. Revolutionary forces responded to this incursion with mine attacks and 40mm artillery fire. During the engagement, a warrant officer from Infantry Battalion 584, based in Khamaukgyi town, was killed instantly by artillery fire, while two other injured soldiers later died at the military hospital located at Mile 6 in Kawthaung.
According to the People’s Defense Force representative, the battle occurred in two phases, with exchanges of fire lasting approximately one hour. The military council forces suffered numerous casualties during the engagement. The fighting was initiated when revolutionary forces detected the military council troops entering the area and responded with coordinated attacks using mines and heavy weapons. The warrant officer was reportedly killed immediately upon being hit by the 40mm artillery fire, while the two additional casualties occurred when wounded soldiers succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the military hospital.
The People’s Defense Force members successfully executed their operation and were able to withdraw from the area without suffering any casualties. Local residents have expressed growing concern about the military council’s frequent operations in the region, as these incursions often result in threats and persecution of civilians. The military council has been known to conduct regular patrol operations in the area, during which local residents report experiencing intimidation and various forms of abuse. The successful resistance operation has demonstrated the growing capabilities of local defense forces in protecting civilian populations from military council aggression, though residents continue to live under the constant threat of military operations in their area.
