Heavy junta casualties reported in month-long Indaw battles; tactical commander captured

By Admin 31 Oct 2026

DMG Newsroom

31 October 2026, Indaw, Sagaing Region

Around 300 junta soldiers were killed during a month of intense fighting between the military junta and joint resistance forces led by the Arakan Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Indaw Township, Katha District, Sagaing Region, according to a statement released on October 30 by Kawlin District Battalion 4.

Fierce clashes have continued across the area since October 4.

In an effort to secure control of the strategic Mandalay–Myitkyina Road, the regime launched ground offensives toward Melzar and Nantthel villages using two columns comprising approximately 300 and 200 troops.

"During the initial phase of the fighting, resistance forces were forced to make tactical withdrawals," a frontline military source told DMG. "However, the junta subsequently suffered heavy casualties, and our allied forces successfully captured a significant amount of arms and ammunition."

The source added that on October 7, allied resistance forces ambushed a junta column advancing toward Melzar between Thanbo and Naungmoe villages, killing more than 50 regime troops.

According to Kawlin District Battalion 4, as the two junta columns attempted to advance toward the Indaw–Htigyaing junction, joint forces involving the Kachin Independence Army, the Arakan Army and allied resistance units launched targeted ambushes, capturing Tactical Operation Commander Kyaw San Win alive along with several junta soldiers.

The military regime has continued to bombard civilian villages with heavy artillery, airstrikes and drone attacks, resulting in civilian casualties.

On October 19, a junta drone strike dropped two bombs on civilian areas, killing four residents and injuring another.

The victims were residents of Htantaw Village, situated along Melzar Creek in Indaw Township.

"Clashes remain fierce and widespread across Indaw Township," a male resident of Indaw told DMG. "Villagers from more than 20 communities have fled to safe areas. People are in constant fear for their lives because the military conducts drone bombings almost daily."

Kawlin District Battalion 4 further reported that another junta column advancing from Wuntho Township broke apart under heavy attacks by resistance forces, with surviving troops joining forces in Aimya Village, leaving around 200 soldiers remaining.

Amid widespread conflict in Sagaing Region, fighting between the military junta and joint forces allied with the Kachin Independence Army and the Arakan Army continues to intensify, accompanied by persistent daily airstrikes.