Battle of Budalin

The Battle of Budalin was a confrontation between Myanmar Army troops and People's Defense Forces in Budalin Township which occurred on September 30, 2024.

Battle of Budalin
Part of Myanmar civil war (2021–present)
Date September 30, 2024 Location Budalin Township Result Resistance Victory
Belligerents
State Administration Council Tatmadaw	People's Defence Force People's Liberation Army Student Armed Force Local anti-junta militias
Units involved
State Administration Council Tatmadaw Myanmar Army North Western Command Ogre Column (alleged) Myanmar Police Force Pyusawhti militias	People's Defence Force: Monywa District 20th Battalion Budalin People's Defense Team Student Armed Force 96 Soldiers PDF People's Liberation Army Local Mobile Force Burma Liberation Democratic Front Yadanarbon Revolutionary Force Union Liberation Front
Strength
80-120	Unknown
Casualties and losses
20-50 killed, 42-50 captured	4 wounded

Background

On September 20, resistance forces attacked a junta base in Ku Taw village. A column of Myanmar Army troops was dispatched by the Northwestern Command to reinforce Ku Taw. On the way there, the column raided several villages, burned 19 houses, and killed both civilians and resistance forces. The casualties of these actions include an elderly man from Katoe village, a civilian from Kywe Thay Chaung, and two People's Defense Team members in Yatkyay village. During the September 20 battle in Ku Taw, two resistance fighters died and other were injured due to airstrikes by the Myanmar Air Force.

Battle

On Monday, September 30, the column of junta troops withdrew from Ku Taw to return to Budalin town. While on the way to Budalin, the column was surrounded and ambushed by resistance forces. Since the junta troops were out in the open while the resistance fighters fired from cover and concealment, they were overwhelmed despite air and artillery support and suffered many casualties before surrendering. Some of the junta troops were recently conscripted recruits, which contributed to the speed at which surrender was declared. Among the captured soldiers were two captains.

Aftermath and importance

A spokesman for 96 Soldiers stated that “This is the first time a junta column was badly beaten in southern Anyar [central Myanmar]”.

The Myanmar Air Force began to conduct reprisal bombings in Budalin township on October 2nd. Two people were killed after the bombings of a school, Buddhist religious building, and a clinic in Maung Htaung village. 10,000 people have become displaced and are fleeing their villages for fear of airstrikes. Many have gone into the woods or larger towns.

The bodies of killed Myanmar Army soldiers were buried on October 2.