Fierce clashes between the military junta forces and allied resistance groups are continuing near Mayan Chaung village in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, forcing more than 1,000 local residents to flee to safer areas.
The fighting began after junta troops entered Mayan Chaung village on the evening of August 20. Battles have since intensified, with continuous engagements from August 21 up to the morning of August 25.
As the clashes escalated and mortar shells were fired into villages, residents from at least five villages, Mayan Chaung, Mile 60, Thaya Mon, Rar Hpu, and Kaw Hlaing, fled their homes on the night of August 24.
“This year’s fighting is worse than before. On August 24 alone, there were two clashes in one day. The junta reinforced its troops and split them into two groups to attack. The resistance was forced to retreat, and the junta advanced forward. That’s why people are fleeing. Even in Kywetalin, women and children are beginning to move out,” said a local resident.
Due to the ongoing clashes, nine villages in the area have closed schools, including one high school, one middle school, and seven primary schools since August 21.
According to a resistance fighter on the ground, the junta is trying to regain full control over areas previously secured by the resistance ahead of planned elections.
“The junta launched the offensive mainly to retake control of the Union Highway (Highway No. 8) and to reassert authority in areas held by the resistance for election purposes. Continuous assaults have left resistance forces suffering losses and forced to retreat,” he said.
With fighting still ongoing, resistance groups have urged civilians to avoid areas near junta bases and checkpoints and to make advance preparations for safety.
Meanwhile, locals who remained behind reported that houses abandoned by fleeing residents were looted, with belongings loaded onto vehicles.
On the morning of August 25, clashes were still taking place between Mayan Chaung and Mile 60 villages, with residents confirming the sound of gunfire and mortar shell fire continuing into the afternoon.
