Ye-U people's defense forces (PDF) shot 40 mm shells into the traditional medicine hospital where military troops were stationed in Sagaing’s Ye-U Township at 8.30 a.m. on 27 February.

“This morning, alliance forces shot six 40 mm shells into the traditional medicine hospital compound from afar. According to the watermelon news two dead bodies were carried away”, an officer from Ye-U People Defense Force reported.

Watermelon news refers to news given to anti-junta forces by “watermelon soldiers” who, despite being soldiers, support the anti-junta forces. They are so-called because like a watermelon on the outside they are green because they wear a green uniform, but like a watermelon they are red on the inside because they support the red flag of the NLD.

About a hundred Military council troops and Pyu Saw Htee (armed militia aligned with the military) had been stationed in the hospital for about a month.

“Explosions were heard this morning. Pyu Saw Htees were there as well. They have occupied township administration office and the police station. I heard the roof was destroyed in the shootout this morning. I haven’t heard about casualties”, said a local.

The attack was carried out by a combined force of local Ye-U PDF and revolutionary groups, who all retreated successfully.

Previously there was a clash between Military Council troops and local PDFs, involving artillery fire in Ye-U Township’s Sat Thay village on 15 February.