The Battle of Budalin was a confrontation between Myanmar Army troops and People's Defense Forces in Budalin Township which occurred on September 30, 2024.[2]

Battle of Budalin
Part of Myanmar civil war (2021–present)
DateSeptember 30, 2024
Location
Result Resistance Victory
Belligerents

State Administration Council

People's Defence Force
People's Liberation Army
Student Armed Force
Local anti-junta militias
Units involved

State Administration Council

People's Defence Force:

  • Monywa District 20th Battalion
  • Budalin People's Defense Team
  • Student Armed Force
  • 96 Soldiers PDF

People's Liberation Army

Local Mobile Force

Burma Liberation Democratic Front

Yadanarbon Revolutionary Force

Union Liberation Front
Strength
80-120 Unknown
Casualties and losses
20-50 killed, 42-50 captured[1] 4 wounded

Background

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On September 20, resistance forces attacked a junta base in Ku Taw village. A column of Myanmar Army troops was dispatched by the Northwestern Command to reinforce Ku Taw. On the way there, the column raided several villages, burned 19 houses, and killed both civilians and resistance forces. The casualties of these actions include an elderly man from Katoe village, a civilian from Kywe Thay Chaung, and two People's Defense Team members in Yatkyay village. During the September 20 battle in Ku Taw, two resistance fighters died and other were injured due to airstrikes by the Myanmar Air Force.[3][4]

Battle

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On Monday, September 30, the column of junta troops withdrew from Ku Taw to return to Budalin town. While on the way to Budalin, the column was surrounded and ambushed by resistance forces. Since the junta troops were out in the open while the resistance fighters fired from cover and concealment, they were overwhelmed despite air and artillery support and suffered many casualties before surrendering. Some of the junta troops were recently conscripted recruits, which contributed to the speed at which surrender was declared. Among the captured soldiers were two captains.

Aftermath and importance

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A spokesman for 96 Soldiers stated that “This is the first time a junta column was badly beaten in southern Anyar [central Myanmar]”.[3]

The Myanmar Air Force began to conduct reprisal bombings in Budalin township on October 2nd. Two people were killed after the bombings of a school, Buddhist religious building, and a clinic in Maung Htaung village. 10,000 people have become displaced and are fleeing their villages for fear of airstrikes. Many have gone into the woods or larger towns.[5]

The bodies of killed Myanmar Army soldiers were buried on October 2.

References

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  1. ^ 31 junta soldiers killed, 42 PoWs captured, weapons seized in Budalin battle: SAF Lu Htet Naing. Narinjara News. October 2, 2024
  2. ^ Now, Myanmar (2024-10-02). "Resistance forces 'wipe out' entire Myanmar junta column in Sagaing's Budalin Township". Myanmar Now. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  3. ^ a b "Myanmar Resistance Groups Kill Scores of Junta Soldiers in Sagaing Ambush". The Irrawaddy.
  4. ^ "Myanmar military raids in Budalin Township leave four dead, civilians and PDF members among victims". Mizzima.
  5. ^ "Thousands flee Myanmar airstrikes after rebel ambush". Radio Free Asia.