Resistance Forces Capture Pinlebu Town in Sagaing Region After 53 Days of Fighting

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 9 October 2024

After 53 days of fierce battle, Pinlebu Town in central Myanmar's Sagaing Region was taken over by resistance fighters on October 8.

On October 9, the Sagaing Region People's Defense Force released a statement stating that they had seized over 400 guns, about 80 boxes of heroin, and captured POWs during the fight.

According to the statement, "during the operation, numerous junta personnel defected, an entire reinforcement column was repelled, and more than 400 weapons were taken from the junta forces and Pyusawhti militias."

According to the statement, the entire town of Pinlebu was taken over after 53 days of nonstop battle, which started on August 15 and continued for 53 days.

Throughout the operation, the junta dropped nearly 3,000 bombs of all sizes, including 500 lb, 300 lb, and 200 lb, in more than 130 bombings conducted by different warplanes. 

At present, airstrikes are still being conducted.

The junta forces in Pinlebu Town asked to be allowed to surrender during the battle and then retreated. The statement verified that, as a result, the People's Defense Teams (PDTs) and the No. 1 Military Region People's Defense Force (PDF) now had complete control over Pinlebu Town.

Numerous junta regiments are stationed in Pinlebu Town, including the SNA 614th Battalion, the 101st Light Infantry Regiment, the 111th Light Infantry Regiment, and the 301st Light Infantry Regiment. The junta has also sent four reinforcements.