Intense fighting broke out between the military council forces and revolutionary forces in Salin Township, Magway Region, on April 19 and 20, resulting in the death of more than 20 military council troops. The battles began when military council forces launched an offensive from Nwetamay village along the Nwetamay canal towards Shardaw village.
The military council advanced with approximately 150 troops when they encountered mines planted by revolutionary forces, leading to subsequent exchanges of fire between both sides. During the battle, the military council’s artillery strikes hit Panhtawgyi village, resulting in injuries to seven civilians and the death of one. The following day, fighting continued in the Thamyinkin area, with both sides employing drones and heavy weapons. Despite the military council using fighter jets from the Magway Air Force for multiple air support missions, revolutionary forces maintained strong defensive positions.
During the battles, the military council forces suffered significant casualties, and bodies of deceased soldiers were reportedly transported away in dump trucks. The fighting in Salin Township continues at present, with the military council unable to penetrate territories controlled by revolutionary forces. Local residents have been warned to dig bomb shelters for protection against airstrikes and artillery fire, and to follow the guidance of revolutionary forces.
The revolutionary forces involved in the fighting include the Burma Army’s 707th Battalion, Pauk Township Health and Medical Corps, Daung Sit Aung LPDF, Minbu District Battalion 1, Minbu District Task Force, and PDF (Salin). Despite the military council’s use of significant force and multiple columns in their offensive operations, they have not yet succeeded in breaking through the revolutionary forces’ controlled areas. The military council’s casualties were so significant that wounded soldiers had to be diverted to military hospitals instead of local facilities, according to internal military sources.
