The residents of Ye township in Mon State are stepping up their preparations against potential war threats as clashes between the military junta and Joint Revolutionary Forces intensify along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei Road (Union Road No. 8).
In the first week of August, Ye Township witnessed at least five armed confrontations, resulting in injuries to three locals and damage to several homes. As tensions rise, the community is taking precautionary measures, including digging bomb shelters, relocating to safer homes, stockpiling food, and preparing for emergency evacuations.
“These days, we rarely leave home unless absolutely necessary. After 5 PM, we stay indoors, and even if we go out, we only head towards Ye, avoiding Mawlamyine. The frequent clashes on the Ye-Thanbyuzayat road have made travel very dangerous. Almost every household in the village has dug bomb shelters,” said a resident from Mawkanin village.
Locals are increasingly concerned that a large-scale battle could erupt soon. “Though we can’t predict the exact time, we’re confident that a major conflict is looming. The military junta’s buildup in the Mawkanin-Thanbyuzayat and Mawkanin-Ye areas suggests they are preparing for a significant operation. It’s crucial for us to be prepared and stock up,” said a local man from Ye.
Daily skirmishes have become common in villages such as Hnitkarin, Mawkanin, Hninson, and Toetetywarthit within Ye Township. The use of heavy artillery by the junta’s 317th Battalion, stationed in Mawkanin, has heightened concerns about potential casualties.
In response to the escalating violence, the People’s Defense Forces issued a special notice on August 5th, banning vehicle movement on the Ye-Thanbyuzayat Road from 6 PM to 6 AM. That same night, a container truck was fired upon, injuring the driver.
Since the third week of July, the military junta has been attempting to regain control of the Ye-Dawei Road. Currently, they have bolstered their forces along this route, leading to daily clashes with the Joint Revolutionary Forces.
