9 February 2024
As reported earlier, the Tatmadaw successfully fought back with air support and heavy weapons when the so-called KNLA and PDF terrorists attacked the local battalion in Zayatgyi town, Htantabin Township, Bago Region with a large force on February 7.
The security forces carried out a detailed clearance operation in Zayatgyi town at around 6:00 this morning. At 4.30 am on February 7, the terrorist insurgents mined and destroyed the Sittoung River Bridge (1,200 feet long), also known as Myoso Bridge, on the road leading to Kywepwe-Zayatgyi. The bridge, which is a reinforced concrete type bridge used by the public, was targeted to prevent Tatmadaw reinforcements from arriving at Zayatgyi in time. They then invaded and attacked the local battalion in the town at dawn.
This morning, security forces cleared the eastern side of Zayatgyi town. After the attack on the battalion headquarters in the town, they found a vehicle owned by the Light Messenger Charity Association crashed and damaged on the side of the road. On the vehicle were the bodies of some insurgents and some packaged arms, ammunition, and accessories. The KNLA and PDF nominal terrorists were carrying guns and ammunition to conduct terrorist activities and transporting injured people under the guise of charity work.
At the same time, detailed security operations were carried out in the villages to the west of Zayatgyi, where the insurgents were hiding. The security forces seized the weapons, ammunition and accessories left behind by the insurgents during their chaotic retreat after encountering the Tatmadaw columns. They also found some bodies of the insurgents in a roadside building, but they were not shown as they were not suitable for illustration.
With Tatmadaw reinforcements and air and artillery support, the terrorist insurgents suffered and retreated. On their way to retreat, they burned down homes in the town. Some of the residents sent photos showing the destruction to their homes.
KNLA and PDF nominal terrorists are transporting people and weapons/ammunition in fake ambulances under the pretext of charity activities in conducting terrorist activities. The local residents, if they know about the destructive activities of terrorists in their towns/villages for the sake of national peace and rule of law, can secretly report to the relevant authorities. The security forces are continuing to carry out detailed security operations necessary for peace and stability in Zayatgyi town.
