Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Losses in Sagaing Clashes

Myanmar’s military junta has suffered significant casualties in intense fighting with People’s Defense Forces (PDF) in Katha Township, northern Sagaing Region, over the weekend.

Clashes erupted when around 200 junta troops from the Katha-based Light Infantry Battalion advanced into resistance-held areas. Fighting raged for more than a day, with continuous artillery strikes from both sides.

Resistance forces report that around 40 junta soldiers were killed, along with two PDF fighters. A further 29 regime troops were captured or surrendered. Viral footage circulating online shows detained soldiers claiming they were forcibly recruited to fight.

While The Irrawaddy has been unable to independently verify casualty figures, the battle highlights the junta’s ongoing struggles to retain control over key regions. Katha town remains a military stronghold, with hundreds of junta troops, police, and Pyu Saw Htee militias deployed.

Nearby, in Indaw Township, resistance forces have seized most of the territory, except for a strategic hill where junta troops have entrenched themselves. The hill overlooks a crucial transport route, and while rebels have cut off reinforcements, junta air and artillery strikes prevent a full assault.

With fighting still erupting around Katha, Myanmar’s resistance forces continue to challenge the junta’s grip on Sagaing Region, one of the strongholds of armed opposition since the 2021 coup.

19-03-25