Local resistance forces attacked a camp belonging to the junta affiliated Pyu Saw Htee militia in Kangyikone Village in Sagaing Region’s Chaung-U Township between 5:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on 25 December.

According to a representative of the Myaung Revolution Army (MRA), one of the defence forces involved in the attack, there are no ordinary people living in Kangyikone Village, only Pyu Saw Htee members and junta soldiers live there and there are bunkers in the village. People refer to such villages as Pyu Saw Htee villages

The MRA representative said: “We carefully observed the comings and goings on the paths out of Kangyikone Village for three or four months prior to the raid. Kangyikone Village in Chaung-U Township is one of Sagaing Region’s most populous Pyu Saw Htee villages. Because the Military Council supplied them with weapons we had to wait for an opportunity to attack them.”

He added: “15 to 20 Pyu Saw Htee militia and junta soldiers were killed in the exchange of fire. I saw dead bodies when I flew the drone over them. Then, at around 9:15 p.m., two fighter jets arrived to assist them. Due to the arrival of air support, we are forced to retreat without being able to seize the camp.”

Four defence force fighters were killed and another two, including a commander were injured.

The defence forces that took part in the operation were the MRA, the Chaung-U Revolution Army, the Aung San Force, Monywa District Battalion 12 and the Myinchan-35 force.

Three of the dead were from the Chaung-U Revolution Army, one was from the Aung San Force and the two injured fighters were from the MRA.