Anti-junta armed group kills at least 30 army members in Myanmar

By Seyma Uzundere

ANKARA (AA) - The anti-coup People's Defense Force (PDF) group announced on Wednesday that it killed dozens of Myanmar army personnel in clashes, including a senior official.

The Asian News International (ANI) quoted a PDF spokesman who said: "At least 30 government troops, including a tactical commander, were killed Monday morning when a military convoy triggered landmines outside of Pales township.”

The report noted that the rebels were waiting for a military convoy since last weekend after learning that a senior army commander would be accompanying the unit.

The army reportedly battered civilians in Pale, Yinmabin, Monywa, Mingin, Hteegyaing, and Chaung-Oo regions and looted properties during operations.

The National Unity Government (NUG) was formed following a Feb. 1 military coup and the PDF was established May 5.

Myanmar's military ousted President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, and detained them along with senior members of the pre-coup ruling National League for Democracy party, citing "election fraud."

The takeover has led to months of protests and a mass civil disobedience movement which has been responded to with brutal force.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas​​​​​​​