Seven junta troops including a captain and second lieutenant were killed and many others were injured in fighting with local People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) in Mandalay Region’s Mogok Township on 29 August, according to reports.

The PDFs ambushed a junta column of about 80 soldiers between Laungsin and Gway Pin villages in Mogok Township at around 8:00 a.m. and the fighting lasted for about an hour, according to an official from Thabeikkyin PDF Battalion 1222, one of the PDFs involved in the attack.

He said: “Due to the bomb attack and the exchange of fire on 29 August, one captain and one second-lieutenant died. They were cremated on 30 August and five other Junta soldiers were buried. It has been confirmed that seven military council troops died in the attack. We have also received information that 14 injured troops were sent to Mogok General Hospital and Seven-Mile Hospital in Mogok Township in six ambulances.”

A representative from the Red Wolves of Mogok PDF, another group involved in the attack said: “There was close-quarters fighting between the military council and joint local defence forces that lasted for about an hour. We were able to detonate three mines and the military council troops fired back with heavy weapons. Our members were able to retreat without being harmed.”

The joint defence force that carried out the attack was made up of fighters from Thabeikkyin PDF Battalions 1221, 1222, 1223, The People's Liberation Army (PLA), Red Wolves (Mogok)and the Singu Defense Forces.

Ko Nwe Ni, the leader of the Singu Defense Forces said: “We would like to urge the public to donate money to buy weapons. Heavy weapons and snipers are also needed to fight against the junta troops. So, Please provide us with financial support so that we are ready to fight.”

Residents of Mogok Township believe that because the junta forces suffered such heavy casualties they will launch a heavy offensive in Mogok and tensions with the military in the area will continue.