Myanmar military fighters launched an airstrike and set fire to villages after reportedly suffering casualties during ongoing fighting in the Sagaing region.

Junta troops allegedly bombed Thu Htay Kone village and burned down houses in Myittha village - both in the Myaung township - on July 10, the Civilian's Defense and Security Organization of Myaung (CDSOM) said.

Resistance groups claimed they had ambushed a detachment of 120 soldiers travelling from the regions of Magwe to Sagaing, allegedly killing 25 military personnel, including a captain and a battalion commander.

The army retaliated by allegedly conducting the airstrikes and committing arson.

Ko Nay Oo, a member of the CDSOM, said: 'The war dogs (soldiers of the Military Council) who were wounded are retaliating with the help of the Air Force.'

The struggle between armed militias and the Burmese military has intensified amid the political turmoil in Myanmar caused by the ousting of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

Around the country, thousands of civilians are said to have been killed during military crackdowns on protests.