Five junta soldiers reportedly killed in attack on Tanintharyi Region security checkpoint

By DMG 15 Oct 2022

DMG Newsroom
15 October 2022, Dawei, Tanintharyi Region

A security checkpoint at Kaleinaung Bridge in Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, was attacked early Friday by unknown gunmen, according to locals.

An unidentified armed group launched the attack at the checkpoint bridge along the Ye-Dawei road at about 4 a.m. on October 14, leading to an exchange of gunfire, said a resident of Kaleinaung town.

“We heard the sound of gunfire since early morning. A clash broke out after unknown gunmen attacked a security checkpoint at Kaleinaung Bridge,” the resident added.

Five junta soldiers were reportedly killed in the clash, according to local social organisations in Kaleinaung town.

“Five junta soldiers at the security checkpoint were killed in the fighting and their bodies were sent to Kaleinaung Hospital,” said a member of a local social organisation who did not want to be named for security reasons.

DMG could not independently determine which group carried out Friday’s attack. Brigade 4 of the Karen National Defence Organization, a military branch of the Karen National Union (KNU), and local anti-regime groups are active in the area.

Junta soldiers at the bridge conducted interrogations of passersby and travellers following the attack, locals said.

“Junta soldiers are checking vehicles and motorbikes on the bridge. They tightened security checks after the security checkpoint attack,” a local resident told DMG.

A clash erupted after a military convoy carrying junta soldiers from Ye to Dawei was attacked with landmines by KNDO Brigade 4 and local resistance forces at a location between Mayanchaung Village and Kothlaing Village in the Kaleinaung area on August 31.