Local guerrilla group says 4 soldiers killed in clashes in Pale township

By Wai Yan Moe
25 December 2021
Local guerrilla group says 4 soldiers killed in clashes in Pale township
The 40 mm shell that was left from the military council during the battle between Kan Pauk and Pho Kone on 23 December. Photo: Black Peacock guerrilla force

Four soldiers were reportedly killed when local coalition forces attacked more than 30 junta troops between Kan Pauk and Pho Kone villages, Pale township, Sagaing region.

The military council’s infantry was stationed in a compound of a monastery, north of Pan village, Pale township, on 22 December, and was jointly attacked by local people’s defence forces on the morning of 23 December.

Comrade Pe, a spokesman for the guerrillas, said people posted 22 soldiers were killed in the fighting on social media, but only four soldiers were actually killed.

"In some reports, we read that 22 or 23 people were killed in the battle. This is not true. We want people and reporters to post only the real news. Now we hear back the wrong information or fake news. In the long run, readers may lose trust. That is why we want people to post only accurate news,” said Comrade Pe.

"The fighting took place around 10 am. They exchanged fire for about 15 minutes. Then they retreated and fired again by using another group at another place that is not far away. At that time, they knew that the People's Defense Forces were very strong, so they called for air support and set fire to the fields to signal," he said.

He said a military helicopter flew back and forth three times and carried out airstrikes. "They fired eight rockets from the helicopter. They also shot non-stop with a machine gun,” said Comrade Pe.

“According to our scout, some 100 soldiers came and set fire to three bodies of soldiers, who died in the fighting, in that place at around 9 a.m. on 24 December. One body was taken back. Locals in the area also reported the incident,” said Comrade Pe.

The People's Defense Forces (PDF) withdrew without casualties.