The Natsoe urban guerilla force based in Matara Township, Mandalay announced a Military Council infantry column marching to clear the area in Matara Township was attacked in an ambush killing four junta soldiers and injuring three others, according to a statement on 15 August.

The infantry column of more than 30 Military Council troops was hit by a series of four landmines by the Natsoe urban guerilla force on 14 August at 8:00 am between Taungkan village and Hmyaung-U village in Matara Township.

“After the series of mine attacks, our forces were able to fire for about five minutes, killing four junta soldiers, including the captain. Three were critically injured,” an official going by the combat name of Captain Natsoe told Mizzima.

After being attacked, the military council army opened fire for more than five minutes, and then the Natsoe forces were able to retreat safely.

In a separate incident, Military Council troops stationed inside the monastery of Kin Village which is adjacent to Hmyaung-u village in the Matara area were attacked with the use of an improvised explosive device. At the moment, they appear unable to leave the village and have set up bunker checkpoints.

The Natsoe urban guerrilla force has called on Military Council soldiers to change sides and “seek peaceful asylum in the arms of the people”.