Mizzima-July 21
Family members of Mogok residents reported that the Myanmar junta cut off all internet lines on 19 July at around 8:30 am amid intense fighting in Mogok town, Mandalay region, resulting in rising civilian casualties. Since the fighting began on 25 June, communication has been difficult, with only home-installed Wi-Fi available. As of 20 July, all communication lines were out of service. On 18 July, heavy artillery shelling from the military troops’ strategic hill in Mogok town fell on civilian homes in the eastern part of town, killing at least nine people and injuring 10 others within a day. The battle intensified at night, with reports of air force attacks by the Military Council, according to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). “To run away from Mogok, people can’t even leave the town. They are stuck in the middle of the battle, and there are no bomb shelters in many houses. Now that the internet line has been cut, I am also worried about my own house because I had to leave it behind in Mogok,” said a woman who fled to Mandalay city. On the morning of 18 July, the 71st and 88th infantry battalions of the Military Council launched an offensive attack, leading to a battle with the joint forces of the TNLA and Mogok Strategy PDF near Yay Kan Taung and Pan Ma Htake Village. Fierce battles were reported around the Four-Faced Buddha, Maw Ni Ya Monastery, Three Banyan Trees Monastery, and Ruby Pagoda. The TNLA announced the capture of weapons, ammunition, and some army camps in these areas on 18 July. Since the start of Operation 1027 Wave Two on 25 June, the western part of Mogok has been controlled by revolutionary forces, while fierce battles continue in the eastern part. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/07/21/11979
