In recent days, junta forces have reinforced their columns and pushed into the Mudon–Chaung Hna Khwa–Kyainseikgyi–Payathonzu road and the Thanbyuzayat–Payathonzu road, carrying out clearance operations.
Because of the Junta’s advances, villagers living along these routes have fled their homes, while others are monitoring the situation and preparing to leave if necessary.
According to locals, over 100 troops who had been stationed since last year near Yae Ta Khon and Zee Nya Pin villages along the Thanbyuzayat–Payathonzu road began moving toward the Anankwin strategic base on September 21 to reinforce it.
“One of the columns arrived at Anankwin yesterday. For now, things are calm,” a woman from Anankwin said.
Since early September, clashes have resumed between reinforced Junta troops and joint resistance forces along the Mudon–Chaung Hna Khwa–Kyainseikgyi–Payathonzu road.
Currently, the junta has managed to enter Thanbula village along the Mudon–Chaung Hna Khwa–Kyainseikgyi road and is preparing to advance further toward the Kyainseikgyi–Payathonzu road, a resident reported.
“They crossed to the other side of the river near Thanbula village. Their military vehicles are moving around a lot—there are many of them,” another resident said.
It is reported that the Junta aims to fully reinforce and control both Kyainseikgyi town via Thanbula village on the Chaung Hna Khwa–Kyainseikgyi road and the Anankwin strategic supply base via Yae Ta Khon, Zee Nya Pin, and Lwat Shan villages on the Thanbyuzayat–Payathonzu road.
From there, observers note, they could push toward both the Taung Soon base—captured by KNLA-led resistance forces in 2024—and the border town of Payathonzu.
“They’re trying to advance from both Anankwin and Kyainseikgyi, likely aiming to converge on Payathonzu from two directions. I’ve also heard they are repairing the Dali bridge near Thanbula and preparing crossings at Chaung Hna Khwa. Their forces are strong on the Lwat Shan side as well. We are confronting them on both routes, so it won’t be easy for them to reach Payathonzu,” a local resistance officer in the area said. Currently, Payathonzu, an unofficial Myanmar–Thailand border town, is under the control of a Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) faction led by Commander Awam, a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
Because of reports that the Junta is preparing to push into Payathonzu, locals are watching closely, concerned that clashes could soon break out inside the town.
“Some people have already rented places near Shan Gone on the Payathonzu side. Others are relocating. If the DKBA opens the way, those military columns could reach Payathonzu in no time,” a local resident explained.
Similarly, according to KIC News Agency, the Junta is also reinforcing its forces to try to retake Lay Kay Kaw New Town in southern Myawaddy and the Kawkareik–Kyainseikgyi road, areas they previously lost.
