Irrawaddy-Aug 21
Myanmar’s resistance groups have stepped up attacks near the capital Naypyitaw, directly threatening the military regime. Resistance attacks have been reported within an hour’s drive of the regime’s nerve center. Clashes broke out between junta forces and resistance groups on a mountain in Pyinmana Township, Naypyitaw, about 70km from the city center from August 10 to 14. On July 7, a special commando unit from the Taungoo District People’s Defense Force under the command of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG), ambushed a military convoy of 10 vehicles reportedly carrying the junta’s quartermaster general, about 50km south of Naypyitaw on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway. Clashes were also reported in Yedashe Township, Bago Region, about 90km south of the capital. After taking control of ground in Karen and Mon states and Tanintharyi Region, the KNU and NUG say they have been escalating joint operations in Bago Region, which is adjacent to Naypyitaw. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. Brigadier-General Saw Tamlar Thaw of the KNLA told the media on August 10 that the junta is increasingly focused on defense rather than attack amid growing armed resistance. “The junta is unable to conduct offensives now. Instead, it conducts shelling and airstrikes on civilian targets,” he said. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/several-resistance-attacks-reported-near-myanmar-regimes-nerve-center.html
