Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Nearly 100 junta troops were reportedly killed in Konkyan Township in northern Shan State as they refused to surrender, according to the anti-regime forces, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The soldiers were part of a group of approximately 280 troops who were fleeing attacks in the Kokang Self-Administered Zone. Among them, around 100 troops had been evading capture since November 27 when they escaped with their commander from Military Operations Command 16.
The MNDAA claims that their forces successfully eliminated 20 regime troops in the Shee Shan area of southern Kokang on November 30, followed by the killing of at least 70 more troops in the same area the next day. Disturbing video footage obtained by Myanmar Now shows the bodies of several soldiers in military uniforms lying in pools of blood, their weapons still beside them. The MNDAA has also shared photos on social media, showcasing the large quantities of seized weapons and ammunition.
This incident occurred shortly after an entire junta battalion, including its commanding officer, surrendered to the MNDAA forces on November 28. In retaliation, the military has been conducting airstrikes in the region, targeting both combat zones and civilian areas. On December 1, an aerial attack in Namkham Township resulted in the death of at least one person and injuries to five others, according to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ally of the MNDAA. The TNLA has accused the regime of utilizing chemical weapons and claimed that cluster bombs were dropped on Namkham’s Nawng Sant ward around 9:30 pm.
The victim who lost their life in the attack was identified as Ba Oo, a man in his 30s who had sought refuge at a local monastery. Since early last month, Namkham has been under the control of the TNLA, with only one base to the east still occupied by junta troops. Witnesses report that the soldiers stationed there have been continuously shelling the town with heavy artillery and refuse to surrender.
According to data compiled by the TNLA, the junta’s airstrikes and artillery fire have resulted in the deaths of at least 60 civilians and the injury of over 100 in ethnic Ta’ang areas since the commencement of the anti-regime offensive in late October. The situation remains tense as the conflict escalates, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of the local population.