Two Naypyitaw PDF fighters arrested before they can attack Armed Forces Day parade

30 March 2023
Two Naypyitaw PDF fighters arrested before they can attack Armed Forces Day parade
A motorbike drives along an empty 20-lane road in Naypyidaw, Myanmar. Photo: EPA

Two people’s defence force (PDF) fighters who were planning an attack on the junta’s 28 March Naypyitaw Armed Forces Day parade were arrested by junta soldiers on 24 March.

The news was reported by Captain Tayza, the commander of Naypyitaw PDF who said that the two captured PDF fighters were being interrogated by junta soldiers at the Ywartaw Investigation Centre.

The two PDF soldiers had been planning to attack the parade using 107mm mortars.

“I believe they were being followed through their phones. Our members’ phone numbers were leaked three or four days ago. I later learned that two of them had been arrested by the Military Council”, said Captain Tayza.

He added that since the men’s arrests, the remaining members of Naypyitaw PDF had fled to liberated areas.

The junta media outlet, MRTV, said that the two men were arrested after “responsible citizens” reported them to the authorities.

According to MRTV, two 107 mm mortars, one pistol, one sniper scope, one MG-1 grenade, four hand grenades, one homemade landmine, 146 cartridges, 16 detonators, 800 grams of gunpowder, and ammunition were seized.

MTRTV also reported that Sein Lwin (aka) Maung Sein was apprehended with ammunition near Aweiyar Dam, in Zee Phyu Pin village, in Naypyitaw’s Pyinmana Township on the morning of 24 March.

According to Sein Lwin's testimony, Win Myo Htet (aka) Win Noe was arrested at his home in Zee Phyu Pin village, also in Pyinmana Township, on the afternoon of 24 March.

According to reports junta soldiers are now looking for the Naypyitaw PDF commander Captain Tayza and the junta has branded him a terrorist.