August 18, 2024
On the evening of August 17, People’s Defense Forces (PDF) successfully seized control of Depayin Township, according to an official announcement made on the morning of August 18. Depayin is now the first town in southern Sagaing Region to fall under PDF control.
The battle for Depayin began on August 16, with intense resistance from the military junta, including airstrikes. Despite this, by the evening of August 17, the PDF had gained full control of the town.
On the morning of August 17, the military launched several airstrikes using jets and Y-12 aircraft, dropping approximately 60 bombs, including 500-pound bombs, in an attempt to dislodge the resistance forces.
Reports indicate that on August 17, some members of the Pyu Saw Htee militia and military families surrendered, while others fled during the fighting. A column of junta reinforcements of around 100 troops from Ye-U heading towards Depayin was intercepted and defeated by PDF forces from Ye-U.
With Depayin now under their control, the local administration processes are expected to begin shortly, according to sources close to the Depayin Township People’s Administration Committee. The operation to seize Depayin involved coordinated efforts under the leadership of the National Unity Government (NUG), the Ministry of Defense, and Region 1 Military Command, including PDF units from Depayin, Ye-U, and Budalin.
