PDFs resume clashes in Mingun as civilians reel from earthquake impact
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Phyo (NP News) - April 27
A military source told The Statesman Journal that while the people are still recovering from the March 28 earthquake, the PDFs have resumed fighting in Mingun, sits on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, northwest of the city of Mandalay.
Reports suggested that the PDFs are re-launching attacks on the people’s militia stationed at the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda in Mingun, which is militarily important, and the people’s militia is still holding out.
Fighting broke out before the earthquake, and on the same day of the earthquake on March 28, a people’s militia group stationed at Mya Thein Tan Pagoda was attacked, resulting in a forty-five-minute battle.
It is also reported that the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda area holds strategic military importance, making it a primary target for the PDFs, who have been prioritizing attacks there.
There are reports that at least 600 KIA and PDF forces are gathering in Mingun to launch a battle.
The Tatmadaw has announced a temporary ceasefire from April 2 to 22, 2025, to facilitate reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the Mandalay Earthquake. In order to achieve peace and stability, the Tatmadaw has announced that it has further extended the temporary ceasefire from April 23 to 30.
Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt stated that civilians are currently suffering not only from the direct and indirect impacts of armed conflict but also from the severe effects of the recent earthquake. He emphasized that only by reducing hostilities can a measure of peace be restored for the people. –