On July 31, 2025, the Military Commission officially declared 63 townships across the country as martial law zones, granting military authorities full control and the power to exercise martial law.
The 63 townships placed under martial law span across various regions and states in Myanmar. These include 5 townships in Kachin State, 3 in Kayah State, 2 in Karen State, 7 in Chin State, 9 in Sagaing Region, 5 in Magway Region, 3 in Mandalay Region, 14 in Rakhine State, and 15 in Shan State.
According to the announcement, martial law was imposed for 90 days to suppress armed insurgencies, restore regional stability, and effectively enforce the rule of law.
Currently, the Military Commission is reinforcing troops in these areas and preparing to launch land, air, and naval offensives against resistance forces labeled as terrorist organizations.
In particular, Kawkareik Township in Karen State is experiencing increased military presence and more frequent heavy artillery shelling compared to previous levels, according to local sources.
“They’re shelling more into the villages along the Kawkareik–Kyainseikgyi road — places like Yebyu, Ohntapin, and Ingyi,” said a resident. “Shells are being fired from SAC Battalion 12 near Kawkareik and junta infantry Battalions 545 and 546 near Kyainseikgyi. On the resistance side, they’ve seized several border posts. The SAC might be trying to retake them. Though they claim to control the Kawkareik–Kyainseikgyi road, the military tension remains very high.”
Karen State’s Kawkareik and Kyainseikgyi townships have both been placed under martial law, which analysts say may result in more military offensives aimed at “clearing” these regions.
In Rakhine State, which has 14 townships under martial law, the military reinforces its presence on land and by sea. Locals report that heavy artillery strikes are targeting areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA).
“The military is launching operations from the sea and has sent reinforcements,” said a Kyauktaw resident close to the AA. “They’ve sent large forces to the Kyaukphyu battlefront. Military ships that haven’t been seen before are now patrolling the coastline and shelling the Thet Thet area. Naval activity has become noticeably intense. A few days ago, they even launched a full-scale attack on Ponnyar Island from nearby bases. The situation is tense, especially in Kyaukphyu, and the military seems heavily prepared.”
Currently, AA is said to control 14 townships in Rakhine, with the Military Commission retaining control over only Maungdaw and Manaung. The Kyaukphyu area remains a hot battlefield.
Meanwhile, Shadaw, Hpasawng, and Mese townships in Kayah (Karenni) State — all strongholds of resistance — are also under martial law. Locals report that the Military Commission has intensified military activity and preparations there.
“Troop movements in those townships are common, and although the situation hasn’t deteriorated further yet, there’s been continuous shelling and airstrikes,” said a female resident close to the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF). “Military activity is more concentrated now. Even if the ground offensives seem routine, there’s clearly more coordinated planning in the battalions.”
While 63 townships are currently under martial law and active military operations, the Military Commission is reportedly making election preparations in townships unaffected by martial law.
According to an official announcement by the Union Election Commission on June 7, the 2025 general elections will begin in December. They are planned to be held in phases in 267 townships, excluding conflict and restricted areas.
