Tatmadaw columns crush terrorist insurgents, KIA, TNLA and PDF that were trying to commit terrorist acts in Momeik in Shan State (North), carry out mine clearing operations
Nay Pyi Taw January 28
Terrorist insurgents, KIA, TNLA and PDF, in groups, were blowing up and torching Stateowned and public buildings, and public roads and bridges in Kachin State and Sagaing Region to halt the government administrative machinery. Beginning 18 January, they were committing destructive acts such as attacking security posts around Momeik with a greater force, abducting and killing local people of the town and surrounding areas, collecting extortion money, torching hospitals, schools, homes, and department offices.
Tatmadaw columns with the support of reinforcements, extra columns, and artillery and heavy weapons launched counter–terrorism operations against the terrorist insurgents, KIA, TNLA and PDF.
The Tatmadaw columns could control Momeik on 27 January after engaging with the terrorist insurgents 16 times. The terrorist insurgents fled to the north, northeast and east of Momeik in disarray Tatmadaw troops were conducting security operations in and around Momeik.
During the time they entered Momeik, terrorists built sandbag bunkers at non-military buildings such as religious and office buildings, hospitals, schools, offices and homes to attack Tatmadaw columns.
They also planted mines at monasteries, places between homes, and on roads and used local people as their human shield. But the Tatmadaw columns followed the Rules of Engagement-ROE in crushing the enemy.
Some Tatmadawmen fell or were wounded during the armed engagements. Tatmadaw troops seized heavy weapons and light arms, ammunition, bombs, some bodies of terrorists and equipment and accessories used in committing terrorist attacks.
Many buildings in the town were damaged as KIA, TNLA and PDF built bunkers at homes, religious buildings, and department buildings in launching terrorist attacks. Security forces were systematically clearing the terrorist-planted mines place wise and road wise for the safety of townspeople.
Security forces are carrying out town rehabilitation undertakings including clearing debris, repairing schools and clearing mines with the participation of local people to make way for the displaced persons to return to their homes soonest.