Fighting broke out between junta forces and a coalition of anti-junta forces from Tamu just outside Sagaing Region’s Tamu Town on 24 May, according to Tamu-People’s Defence Force (PDF) Battalion (4).

The fighting broke out about three miles from Tamu Town at around 9 a.m. and lasted for three hours. The coalition forces included members of Tamu-PDF Battalion (4), the Burmese Students Organization (BSO) and Freedom Rangers – TAMU.

“A coalition of Tamu forces led by Tamu-PDF Battalion (4) ambushed junta soldiers about three miles from the exit of Tamu Town”, said a Tamu-PDF Battalion (4) spokesperson. 

After the clash junta troops attacked the Tamu-PDF Battalion (4) outpost, just outside Tamu Town, with heavy weapons and then left 200 soldiers stationed near to the outpost, according to the spokesperson.

“As usual the junta troops retreated after they had fired. We guessed that they were planning to march to our outpost and attack it, so we had to fight back to protect our outpost. It was intense for both sides. We are currently monitoring their movements”, said the spokesperson.

He said that Tamu-PDF Battalion (4) are ready to defend their outpost if junta troops try to seize the outpost.

He also called on the public to support Tamu-PDF Battalion (4) so that they can get more weapons and ammunition to successfully defend their outpost because if they have to abandon their outpost, they will also have to abandon Tamu Town to the junta forces.