The People Defense Force (Kalay) (PDF-Kalay) Battalion No.4 had to abandon its base camp in Sagaing’s Kalay Township after it came under sustained attack from junta air and ground forces.

On 14 May at around 10 a.m. three fighter jets and two MI 35 helicopters strafed the camp, located south of Kalay Town in Kalay Township, for more than half an hour and used drones to drop M9 rifle grenades. Then, a ground offensive was launched against the camp by about 200 junta infantrymen, according to PDF-Kalay.

The PDF said that it could not defend the camp against such an onslaught and that its members had to abandon the base because they were outnumbered and ran out of ammunition.

After the junta troops took over the base they burned it down.

PDF-Kalay said several of its members were injured in the attack, but no one was killed. It also believes that the junta troops suffered casualties but could not confirm any numbers.

But, according to reports, the airstrikes injured more than 30 internally displaced people (IDPs) who were staying near the base, but Mizzima has currently been unable to confirm the reports.

According to PDF-Kalay the forces that attacked the base were led by Captain Yazar Myo of Battalion (89), and General Than Naing, and Captain Zwe Thu Tun of Battalion (268).