Kant Kaw Ni Ni, Narinjara News, 22 June 2024
Over 70 military junta soldiers, including two captains, were killed in the
five-day Taungup conflict that began in the third week of June, said a military
source. The victim captains are Aung Zaw Tun and Kyaw Min Thu from the 544th
light infantry battalion.
"Casualties among the junta soldiers may rise as
the fighting continues. The Arakan Army (AA) fighters appear to hold the
tactical and combat positions successfully. If the AA fighters intensify their
offensive, the junta soldiers in Taungup may have to face defeat,” added the
source.
Captain Aung Zaw Tun and several soldiers were killed
in Chaung Kauk ward under Taungup town on the night of 15 June. Many
other soldiers sustained injuries in the skirmish.
On the other hand, captain Kyaw Min Thu along with
over 60 soldiers were killed in a skirmish near Nay Pu Taung under the
same township on 20 June. Kyaw Min Thu reportedly hailed from Guta ward and was
a resident near Guta school. His father is identified as Sayar U Tun Wai.
As the AA fighters intercepted the junta column consisting of 200
reinforcements from Bago region and thus the junta soldiers became victims.
From 15 to 22 June (during the Taungup battle)
four civilians were killed and four others were injured by the airstrikes
carried out by junta soldiers.