Four junta soldiers were seriously injured and two people’s defence force (PDF) fighters were killed during fighting in Sagaing Region’s Yinmabin Township at around 10:00 a.m. on 14 September.

The fighting took place near the five-mile tollgate in Banbwe Village on the Monywa to Yagyi Road, in Yinmabin Township.

A local PDF leader explained that they had been trying to detonate mines at the tollgate because there were junta soldiers stationed there.

He said: “The Military Council troops came and opened fire on our fighters who were setting up mines. There were only about 20 Military Council troops and we had a long exchange of fire with them. Four Military Council troops were seriously injured and two fighters from the local PDF were shot and killed.”

According to local residents, junta troops have been stationed in Banbwe Village for over a year. Since they have been there over 1,000 villagers have fled from Banbwe Village and they are now experiencing hardships and difficulties finding adequate shelter, food and clothes.