In a significant escalation of conflict in Myanmar, a junta-operated steel mill in Myingyan Township has come to a standstill following an attack by the People’s Defense Force. The assault occurred on August 16, when PDF groups launched a barrage of around 50 shells using 60 mm mortars at No. 1 Steel Mill, which housed approximately 200 junta soldiers. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between resistance groups and the military junta that has controlled Myanmar since the coup in 2021.
The PDF, a coalition of various resistance factions, has been increasingly targeting military assets believed to be involved in supporting the junta’s operations. Reports indicate that the No. 1 Steel Mill was not just a production facility; it was allegedly engaged in the manufacture of iron and steel specifically for armaments. This connection to military production has made the mill a strategic target for the PDF, which aims to disrupt the junta's supply chains and weaken its military capabilities.
As of now, the full extent of the damage caused by the attack remains unclear. A member of Myingyan District PDF Battalion 3 shared that casualties from the assault have yet to be confirmed. The uncertainty surrounding the aftermath of the attack adds to the chaotic environment in the region, where information is often difficult to verify due to the ongoing conflict and restricted access to media.
