Facing mounting losses in northern Shan State, Myanmar’s military junta is intensifying its presence in the southern region, particularly along the strategically important Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei road.
In response to their setbacks in the north, the junta has been deploying additional forces to the south, aiming to preempt any advances by joint revolutionary groups. Among the reinforcements are newly trained soldiers and Union-level Aung Zeya troops recently withdrawn from the Myawaddy area, according to the local revolutionary leaders.
Approximately 500 junta troops are currently stationed around Thanbyuzayat and southern Ye. On August 1, the junta further strengthened its position by deploying around 200 additional soldiers from the Aung Zeya column.
Previously, revolutionary forces, including Karen armed groups, the Ye People’s Defense Force, and the Taungnyo military column, maintained a degree of control in northern Ye. However, with the junta’s reinforcements, these forces have been forced to retreat.
The junta’s current focus is on reclaiming control over Union Highway No. (8), driven by concerns over the economic ramifications of losing this critical route, according to Nai Naga, a spokesperson for the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF).
Nai Naga added that they will continue the fight against the junta, coordinating with allied forces and utilizing all available military resources.
A local resident from Ye noted that the movements of both the revolutionary forces and the junta indicate the potential for a major confrontation in the near future.
The situation along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei road remains tense, with ongoing clashes between junta forces and the joint revolutionary forces. The first week of August alone saw at least five significant engagements, reflecting the escalating conflict.
