Mai Rupa, Mai Pome Sange, Oct 2, Kyaukme
The junta’s miltiary units, which launched an offensive to recapture Kyaukme, have now regained control of nearly the entire town, according to the frontline sources.
The junta offensive involved two military units: one advancing from the Nawnghkio-Kyaukme Union Highway and another from the Kham Sar-Mong Ting road junction. By yesterday, these forces were able to control almost all parts of the town.
Fierce clashes continue today between junta troops and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) near the Toll Gate on the Kyaukme-Hsipaw Road, according to a frontline source speaking to Shwe Phee Myay.
“Groups entering via the Union Highway and Mong Ting junction have reached the town. The junta now controls nearly all parts of Kyaukme. Fighting is intense at the Toll Gate,” the source said.
Another local source confirmed that junta forces entered Kyaukme town as early as yesterday evening.
A frontline source reported that TNLA forces were forced to retreat gradually as junta troops entered Kyaukme on Wednesday evening. Despite continued resistance, the TNLA was overwhelmed by the junta’s superior firepower.
Prior to entering the town, on September 30th, junta forces dropped incendiary bombs on government offices they believed were sheltering TNLA fighters. They later claimed the TNLA had set the buildings ablaze.
Yesterday, the junta released a statement asserting it had regained control of Kyaukme after more than 120 clashes with the TNLA across the township.
Videos showing apparent celebrations for the arrival of the junta troops in Kyaukme town yesterday are circulating on pro-junta Telegram channels.
However, with most local residents having fled prior to the military’s entry, observers speculate that those featured in the footages may be supporters brought in from Nawnghkio by the junta forces.
Kyaukme, which was seized by the TNLA on August 5, 2024, during the second phase of Operation 1027, has now returned to junta control after more than a year.
There is growing speculation that the junta’s military may push further toward Hsipaw in an attempt to reclaim the strategic Lashio–Mandalay Union Highway.
Translated by #KLT
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