NAYPYITAW, 21 October 2021, (TON): Two army trucks were hit by landmines in Sagaing Region’s Htigyaing Township, resulting in multiple casualties, according to the Htigyaing People’s Defence Force (PDF).

A spokesperson for the group said “the two trucks were travelling on the Htigyaing-Indaw road when the incident occurred a few miles from the town of Htigyaing at around 3pm.”

The spokesperson told media “one of the trucks was badly damaged. Many soldiers were injured and were sent to two hospitals in Htigyaing.”

The number of casualties was unclear, he said, but added that as many as 20 soldiers may have been killed in the attack.

Although this figure could not be confirmed, hospital sources said that several soldiers receiving treatment at the Htigyaing Public Hospital and another 50-bed hospital located just outside of the town have died of their injuries.

Other sources in the area said that soldiers who survived the attack opened fire on the village of Sardwin as they retreated.

According to the sources, shots were fired at homes and a local monastery and community hall, and an artillery shell landed near the village school. It was unknown at the time of reporting if there were any civilian casualties.