Seven members of People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) have been killed and a further six are missing in ongoing fighting that started on 14 September near Myadaung Village, in Lakku Village Tract in Tanintharyi Region’s Palaw Township.

Ko Arnold, a representative of Myeik District Battalion 1, one of the PDFs involved in the fighting, said: “Because the fighting situation remains uncertain, preliminary reports indicate that seven resistance soldiers lost their lives, with six of them currently missing, we are also investigation the number of causalities and damage caused during the battles.”

He also said that the PDF soldiers suffered such high casualty numbers because they were likely attacked when they had little or no ammunition.

Five junta soldiers and five civilians have also been killed in the fighting which was still ongoing on 18 September, at the time of recording. 20 houses were also set on fire during the fighting.

The fighting has forced people to flee from villages in Lakku Village Tract, including the villages of Lakku, Mhawkyaung, Pitat, Tol, and Myadaung.

A displaced man who has fled from Lakku Village Tract said: “These villages have become largely vacant, as those who can afford it are relocating to urban areas. Meanwhile, individuals with financial challenges are choosing to stay in the villages.”