Seven defence force fighters were killed when they were ambushed by junta troops near Kyartak Village, in Sagaing Region’s Salingyi Township at noon on 12 February.

About 70 junta troops attacked 35 defence forces fighters just outside Kyartak Village as they were clearing mines. Seven defence force fighters were killed and a vehicle and motorcycle were torched before the defence force fighters could retreat, according to a person from the Pale People’s Administration.

“We had gone close to the village to remove mines because we believed that the [military] column was in the village. Then, they suddenly started firing at us. The battle lasted about half an hour”, said a representative of one of the defence forces involved in the incident.

“The Military Council’s 70 members were constantly firing at us and shot dead seven of our revolutionary soldiers. The rest [of our soldiers] had to retreat for their own safety”, he added.

Of the seven killed defence force fighters, one was from Pale PDF, five were from the Yesagyo Revolutionary Force and one was from Pakokku Township PDF.

Other defence forces also involved in the incident included Yinmarbin District Battalion (8), Salingyi Revolutionary Force and the M7 Force.