A pro-democracy militia in central Magway region set fire to a junta-controlled oil well after storming a military guard post at a Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise oil field.
Around five junta troops were injured in Thursday’s attack but the People’s Defense Force was hit harder, with one death and seven injuries following a junta airstrike, according to the Myaing People’s Administration Group, which is aligned with the PDF.
Around 40 junta soldiers, police and members of the Pyu Saw Htee militia were stationed at a camp in the oil field when the PDF attacked.
"The PDF forces surrounded Well Two and opened fire (on the guard posts)," Cpt. Mite Tee, administration officer of Myaing township's western zone told RFA.
"We were able to burn it (the posts) down and had some success but we had to retreat due to a sudden airstrike."
He said the junta attack helicopter fired around 20 times at the PDF after it set fire to tents at the camp’s gates and entered the camp.
The military junta has not released a statement on the incident and calls to junta spokesman Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun went unanswered Friday.
There are hundreds of oil wells in the Well Two oil field, which produces about 100 barrels per day, according to residents.
Mite Tee told RFA that troops often raid nearby villages to flush out People’s Defense Force members and try to limit attacks.
The junta declared martial law in Magway region’s Myaing, Pauk, Tilin, Gangaw and Saw townships on Feb. 2 this year.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.