Resistance attacks disrupt Myanmar junta’s phase two elections, multiple casualties reported

Mizzima

Violence flared across Myanmar on 11 January during the second phase of the military junta’s election, with at least 10 townships targeted by resistance forces.

According to reports from junta-controlled media and local officials, the attacks involved grenades, rockets, and drones, resulting in the deaths of at least two staff members.

The most lethal incident occurred in Htantabin, Bago Region, where a drone strike targeted the Township General Administration Department (GAD) office as staff prepared for vote counting. U Htay Win, Chairman of the Taungoo District Election Commission, confirmed that two staff members were killed, identified by other sources as a Union Election Commission assistant director and a colleague while two others and one civilian were injured. 

Other significant disruptions in Bago Region included an explosion that rocked Minhla early on election morning near a polling station on Lanmadaw Road. The Minhla Township People’s Defence Organization claimed responsibility for the blast.

In Ye Township, Mon State, a drone attack targeted Light Infantry Battalion 591, and a separate explosion occurred near a polling station shortly after it opened.

In Magway Region, ambushes and bombings were reported in Gangaw, Seikphyu, Salin, and Kamma. In Kamma, a junta-appointed administrator was killed in an ambush while inspecting polling stations.

Attacks were also confirmed in Chaung-U, Budalin, Myinmu in Sagaing Region and Hpruso in Karenni State, where fighting forced 80 percent of the local population to flee. These townships are largely situated in conflict zones where the military lacks full territorial control. 

Despite heavy security and the use of mobile patrols to pressure residents into voting, turnout remained low as revolutionary forces continue “Operation Aung Myin” to disrupt the three-phase election process. 

The junta is conducting the election in three phases – Phase 1 was held on 28 December, Phase 2 on 11 January, and the final phase is currently scheduled for 25 January.