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SAGAING DIVISION – It has been reported that the People’s Defence Force (PDF) has gained complete control of Khampat Town and the situation has stabilised.
Following the battle in November where the PDF captured the town, the junta council launched an offensive in early December with a strength of 120 to recapture Khampat. Clashes began on December 10 and the junta forces were attacked by PDF Sagaing Division special battalions, District battalions, People’s Defence Teams and revolutionary forces under the command of No. 1 Military Region Command.
The junta column was defeated and ran away on December 17 and PDF forces now have absolute control of Khampat and the residents who fled during the battles have also reportedly returned to their homes.
“A total of five prisoners of war (POWs) were captured. There are some groups of three or five (junta forces) running away. The group of around 30 junta troops had reached Phaungpyin and joined the junta council. They tried to recapture the town but failed,” said a PDF soldier.
Around 10,000 residents were displaced during the battles. Although there is still a need to be alert for junta airstrikes, residents have returned to the town as the situation on the ground is now stable. The junta air force last carried out an airstrike on the town on December 15.
On December 10, during the battle, junta forces stationed at AG orphanage in Ward No. 1 of Khampat and opened fire recklessly, killing four orphans. On the next day , the PDF forces then rescued 36 children and some staff trapped inside.
During the most recent battle, a total of seven weapons including one MA10 RPG 7, one MG 3 and one MA-S1 MK2 were seized from the junta forces, announced the National Unity Government Ministry of Defence on December 17.