Seven villages have fled after hundreds of Burma Army (BA) soldiers were sent to Indaw from southern Kachin State and Sagaing Region, in the northwest, according to an officer of the Indaw People’s Defence Force, which is fighting the military regime in the township.
“Our troops are active in this area. There are frequent clashes between Na Bar and Mawlu, in which many BA soldiers have been killed, which is why they want to gain control of this area.”
Since 24 September, 280 regime soldiers from the south and 120 from Sagaing Region had arrived and are staying in the villages of Ner Makyaing, Pint Tin, Pin Wai, Lone Tone, Hper Pant, Si Pein and Nyaung Pin Thar, located between Mawlu and Na Bar, he said.
Anticipating that the fighting will escalate, the officer said they blocked all the main roads in Indaw Township on Sunday. The Na Bar – Mawlu, Indaw – Na Bar, Indaw – Katha, Indaw – Htigyaing and Indaw – Bamauk roads were closed to civilians by the armed group.
According to the officer, the PDF attacked the BA column from Sagaing with a landmine on Saturday, with casualties expected.
