Myanmar Spring Chronicle – October 21 Scene
(MoeMaKa) – October 22, 2024
Military Junta Forces Launch Counteroffensive from Defense in Northern Shan, Brutal Killings in Buthidaung Township
In Northern Shan State, following the start of Operation 1027 in late October of last year, the military junta has lost control of at least a dozen towns. As nearly a year has passed, reports indicate that the junta has begun a counteroffensive in recent weeks, attempting to reclaim lost territories.
According to a report from Shan Than Daw Sint News, the junta has increased airstrikes in towns like Naung Cho, Kunlon, Hsipaw, and Lashio, along with ground offensives. The report states that battles are occurring along the Naung Cho- Kyaukme road, with fighting intensifying in villages near the route from Pyin Oo Lwin to Naung Cho. Recently, restrictions have been imposed on vehicles heading towards Naung Cho and Kyaukme from Pyin Oo Lwin, while southbound traffic from Pyin Oo Lwin remains unrestricted. The village of Oummathi along this route is reportedly experiencing heavy fighting.
After months of fighting, TNLA (Ta’ang National Liberation Army) captured Hsipaw, and the junta’s forces have reinforced bases and battalions near Naung Cho as battles continue. Meanwhile, the junta has also prepared forces east of Lashio, near the town of Mong Yaw, in an apparent bid to recapture Lashio.
As ground offensives intensify, the junta has also escalated airstrikes in Northern Shan, particularly targeting towns like Naung Cho, Kunlon, Laukkai, Lashio, and Hsipaw. There is speculation that this renewed military aggression may be timed with pressure from China on MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) and TNLA to cease fighting.
Chinese pressure on ethnic armed groups in Northern Shan and Kachin State to halt conflicts and relinquish control of some towns has reportedly increased. With China’s backing, the junta seems to be preparing a renewed offensive in Northern Shan.
Reports on social media have shown graphic images of civilians brutally murdered by junta forces in some villages of Buthidaung Township. These images have spread widely, drawing condemnation and criticism.
Last month, the junta retaliated against a PDF (People’s Defense Force) attack in which PDF forces ambushed a junta convoy, capturing several soldiers in Sagaing Region. This marked the first large-scale capture of junta soldiers in Sagaing, with media reports documenting the event. The junta’s counteroffensive in Buthidaung Township seems to be an act of revenge for this incident.
In mid-October, a junta column of about 100 soldiers from Light Infantry Division 33 entered several villages in Buthidaung Township. Social media posts show the bodies of six civilians, including four from Sipa Village and two unidentified individuals, who were reportedly brutally killed by junta forces. Among the victims was a man in his seventies.
These brutal killings by junta forces are not a new occurrence. Similar acts, including beheadings, burnings, and dismemberments, have been reported in regions like Sagaing and Mandalay. Last year, the military also beheaded a PDF fighter named Bo Sin Yain in Mingyan Township and took his head as a trophy.
The latest incident in Sipa Village, Buthidaung Township, however, involves elderly civilians, some as old as 60 or 70, who were not affiliated with any armed group, shocking the public with its sheer cruelty.