Revolutionary forces capture 52 towns under Operation 1027

The revolutionary forces of Myanmar have captured 52 towns during over five months of 'Operation 1027', said a report released by BNI's Myanmar Peace Monitor (MPM) in the last week of March.

The revolutionary forces captured nine towns in Rakhine State, nine in Chin State, 18 in northern Shan State, one in Bago region, five in Karenni State (Kayah), one  in Karen State, three  in Kachin State, two in southern Shan State and four in the Sagaing region.

"When analyzing the reasons behind the success in these towns, it becomes evident that 'Operation 1027' was a catalyst. The success of this operation was attributed to strategic preparation, information security, operational direction and cohesive unity among the forces involved. Additionally, simultaneous actions, such as the spring revolution organizations launching offensives against the military junta under 'Operation 1111'," said a person in charge of BNI-MPM.

The coordination and cooperation between the spring revolutionary forces and revolutionary forces active during 'Operation 1027' led to higher military momentum across the country and it would result in the falling of many military camps and towns.

 "If we can strengthen the coordination and military operations between the spring revolutionary forces and other revolutionary forces, it is likely that we will see more battles to capture the towns and camps," he added.

According to the Myanmar Peace Monitor (MPM) report, there were 17 clashes between the junta soldiers and People's Defense Forces (PDF/LDF) as well as ethnic revolutionary organizations (ERO) since 13 to 26 March. Among the regions,  Kachin State witnessed more clashes.

Since the military took power through a coup on 1 February 2021, there were 1,149 clashes throughout Myanmar till 26 March. The  BNI-MPM also noted that during the data collection process, only one incident per township per day was recorded.

About 50,651 local residents from various regions and States like Bago, Kachin, Rakhine, Karen and Sagaing fled to safer places due to the conflict between the two armed sides.

The firing of artillery shells and  burning of civilian residential buildings by the  junta forces have worried the residents.

From 1 February 2021 to 26 March 2024, nearly three million people fled the conflict areas.

The casualties during the clashes from 13 to 26 March, included 212 junta soldiers, 15 PDF members and 152 civilians from various localities like Rakhine, Sagaing, Bago, Karen, Mandalay, Shan, Magway, Mon, Ayeyarwady, Chin, Kachin, Kayah and Yangon.