This footage depicts forces opposed to the military junta in Myanmar ambushing an Army boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River near Myingyan, Mandalay.

The footage begins with a People’s Defense Force (PDF) machine gunner, using an RPK-type machine gun with a drum magazine in a depressed or dug-in position. However, the ambush begins in earnest with an RPG shot at 01:03. The RPG handler fumbles the shot, clearly unprepared for it.

In a rarity for anti-junta footage, the actual target- a Myanmar Army boat- can be seen in the left background at 01:06 as another PDF machine gunner fires on it. The target is seen again in a zoomed-in shot at 01:57. The cameraman captures another PDF insurgent firing on the boat with an AK pattern rifle at 02:15 before reverting to the first machine gunner at 02:36.

As a side note, for ambiance the author suggests pairing this footage with “I Rowed A Little Boat,” by John Lee Hooker.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.