The military junta has deployed hundreds of troops near villages surrounding the Dawei project area as part of efforts to secure the region and accelerate the project’s restart, according to local sources.
Currently, large numbers of military forces are advancing toward villages near the project site, including Na Bu Lel, Paradat, Mayin Gyi, Bawa, and Zardi. In addition to land reinforcements, preparations are reportedly underway for potential military operations via water routes.
On March 24, clashes erupted near the Na Bu Lel Pagoda between advancing junta forces and local resistance groups.
“Since March 17, after their meeting, military convoys have been advancing, leading to ongoing clashes with resistance forces. They are also transporting weapons and reinforcements via waterways,” a Dawei resident reported.
According to military sources, during a March 11 meeting at the Tanintharyi Regional Government Office, Chief Minister U Myat Ko instructed officials to make preparations for the Dawei project’s implementation.
Similarly, at a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) management committee meeting in Naypyidaw on the same day, Vice-Senior General Soe Win ordered subordinates to push forward with the project’s economic plans.
“There will inevitably be intense battles in this region,” said a civil society organization official in Tanintharyi. “The areas designated for the project—Yebyu Township and Na Bu Lel—are currently under strong resistance control. Once the project moves forward, the military will likely launch extensive clearance operations targeting villages, resistance strongholds, and surrounding areas.”
On February 23, the military junta announced that it had signed an agreement with Russia to jointly implement the Dawei project.
