Military News Updates – December 8, 2024 Evening
๐ฉ๐ฉ 1. Intense Fighting in the Battle for Bhamo City; KIA and Allied Forces Seize Arms from Retreating Troops
December 8
The battle to seize control of Bhamo City, led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces, has entered its fifth day, intensifying further today, December 8, according to local military sources.
At 4:30 a.m. this morning, the junta’s Military Operations Command (MOC-21), stationed inside and around Bhamo City, launched heavy artillery attacks. In response, the KIA retaliated using 122mm artillery, targeting junta forces. Reports indicate that the allied forces fired threefold in return, overpowering the junta troops. Civilians remaining in the city are being urged to take precautions as clashes persist.
On the first two days of the operation, the KIA and allied forces captured over 15 strategic positions held by junta troops, continuing their advances in the following days. Yesterday, December 7, the fourth day of the campaign, junta troops retreating from their 6-mile base between Bhamo and Momauk were ambushed, resulting in the seizure of arms and supplies, including tactical vests and ammunition, according to military sources.
The junta conducted an airstrike on the night of December 6 using Y-12 aircraft, targeting an area where junta soldiers captured by KIA forces were being held. The airstrike reportedly caused damage and likely casualties among the detained soldiers, although precise details remain unclear due to the intensity of the ongoing clashes.
According to updates from the Banmaw Scout Team, which monitors military developments in Bhamo, fighting continues around the city, particularly near the police station, the administrative office, and Kan Oo Monastery. Clashes have also been reported near the airfield, MOC-21 headquarters, and along the 2-mile perimeter.
Additionally, heavy fighting continues near Infantry Battalion 47 in Mansi Township. Reports suggest that KIA and allied forces are on the verge of capturing the remaining junta bases in the area.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 2. Clash with Junta Convoy from Tilin Results in Death of Eight Soldiers, Including Commander
December 8
A junta convoy of 80 troops departing from Tilin Township in Magway Region was ambushed by local People’s Defense Forces (PDF). The attack resulted in the death of eight junta soldiers, including the convoy commander, Lieutenant Colonel Aung Soe Oo, according to Tilin PDF.
The convoy, comprising junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia members, advanced toward a revolutionary stronghold on November 28. Around 10 a.m., combined forces from Gangaw District Battalions 2, 4, 10, 15, and 18, along with Tilin Township’s drone units, launched the attack.
Despite air support from two Mi-35 helicopters, the ambush left eight junta troops dead, including their commander. One Pyu Saw Htee member was captured alive, and the PDFs seized three rifles and a mobile phone. The remaining troops retreated to Tilin Township following their losses.
The PDFs claim to have intercepted confidential reports submitted by the junta to senior officials about the battle. Meanwhile, the PDF confirmed that Naing Lin Aung, Deputy Platoon Leader of Battalion 2, Division 1, was killed in action while heroically defending the nation.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 3. Heavy Clashes Erupt as Junta Commander Flees from Maungdaw’s Border Guard Battalion (BGB) HQ
December 8
Fierce fighting is ongoing along the Naf River as Colonel Thurein Tun, commander of Maungdaw’s Border Guard Battalion (BGB)-5 in Rakhine State, fled the battlefield with his troops, local reports indicate.
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on December 6 that it had seized the BGB-5 headquarters, the last remaining junta stronghold in Maungdaw Township. Amid the capture, Colonel Thurein Tun reportedly escaped overnight with approximately 100 soldiers, retreating into the Naf River’s marshlands.
Reports suggest the fleeing troops sought shelter with ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) militants, who provided cover as they attempted to escape to a naval vessel stationed offshore.
The AA has pursued the fleeing troops, intensifying clashes along the Naf River. Junta forces are reportedly attempting a rescue operation with support from naval and air units. While the AA has stated it is on the verge of capturing BGB-5, no official announcement confirming the complete takeover has been made as of this morning.
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๐ฉ๐ฉ 4. Arakanese Woman Executed After Arrest at Muse Checkpoint
December 8
In northern Shan State’s Muse Township, four Arakanese women traveling for work were arrested at a military checkpoint, with one of them later executed by junta troops, according to reports from the region.
The women, aged between 18 and 26, were traveling from Yangon to Muse by bus when their mobile phones were checked, leading to their detention on December 6. Among them, 26-year-old Ma Nwe Nwe Myint was accused of having links to the Arakan Army (AA) and subsequently executed.
Local Arakanese communities intervened to secure the release of the remaining three women, reportedly paying a ransom to junta forces. The released women are now under the care of local community organizations in Muse.
Reports suggest the junta has been intensifying crackdowns on Arakanese people across Myanmar, employing various intimidation tactics against those holding National Registration Cards labeled "11/,” the code for Rakhine State.
This report was provided by Radio NUG correspondent Ko Khant.
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