Military News Updates
Evening
Here’s the full English translation of the three-part Myanmar news article from April 4:
1. KNU Says Junta Attacked Civilian Areas with Heavy Weapons Right After Ceasefire Announcement
April 4
The Karen National Union (KNU) has stated that since the day the military council announced a temporary ceasefire, the junta has continued to shell civilian areas in Hpapun (Mutraw) District using heavy artillery.
The junta had declared a temporary cessation of offensive operations from April 2 to April 22, citing the need to focus on post-earthquake rescue, recovery efforts, and national stability. However, the KNU revealed today (April 4) that the attacks continued regardless of the ceasefire statement.
On April 2 at around 5:00 PM—the same day the ceasefire was announced—junta battalions LIB 350 and LIB 440 shelled Nyaung Che Htauk Village in Shwegyin Township, Hpapun District, using 81 mm artillery, damaging civilian homes.
Again, on April 3 at around 11:00 AM, LIB 351 of the junta fired heavy artillery at Ngathwe Sut Village in Muthraw District, injuring a 24-year-old woman and destroying two homes.
The KNU criticized the junta for launching bombings and drone attacks on civilians already suffering from the recent earthquake, calling the ceasefire announcement a façade. It accused the junta of intentionally targeting civilians and continuing attacks amid disasters, forcing people to live in fear of both natural calamities and military aggression.
The KNU further claimed the junta’s announcement was intended to gain international recognition while attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, and that it was merely a political move to maintain power, lacking genuine intent for peace.
2. Four Junta Soldiers Killed in Mine Attack on Bago-Yoma Road
April 4
Four junta soldiers were killed and two others seriously injured after resistance forces ambushed a military convoy on the Bago-Yoma Road near Oakpho Township, Thayarwaddy District, Bago Region.
On the morning of April 2, a vehicle carrying junta troops attempting to advance along the Bago-Yoma route was ambushed with landmines near Paungtaysu Village by Unit 4 of the Oakpho Underground Guerrilla Force, part of Battalion 3802.
Resistance fighters launched the mine attack, then opened fire for about 15 minutes while junta troops were still in disarray. Reports say that the surviving junta soldiers fled in the direction of LIB 6.
Due to the possibility of further military advances and clashes, the Oakpho guerrilla force has warned the public to avoid being near junta troops and not to travel in areas they frequent.
3. Two Junta Soldiers Defect with Weapons to PDF Zoland in Chin State
April 4
Two junta soldiers from LIB 269 based in Tedim, Chin State, have defected to the resistance group PDF Zoland with weapons and ammunition, according to the group’s announcement.
The two defectors are Private Pho Khwar (age 23) and Corporal Myo Min Kyaw (age 22), who joined the resistance on April 3. The group informed the public of their defection.
Photos released by PDF Zoland confirmed that the defectors brought weapons and were rewarded with monetary incentives for switching sides.
The group also noted that the commanding officer of LIB 269 has expressed a desire to cooperate with the resistance under the belief that all are citizens of the Union. Resistance forces have urged others to consider the public good, the future of ethnic minorities, and to reflect carefully on their roles.
