Military columns from military junta battalions based in Ye Township, Mon State, are carrying out operations aimed at advancing into Payathonzu town, according to revolutionary sources.
Since late June, more than 150 junta troops from battalions based in Ye Township have been assembled in Kyaung Village. The forces are reportedly attempting to enter Payathonzu through areas controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Karen National Union (KNU).
The troops are reportedly divided into several columns. One group is expected to advance along the Weipaung–Dhammaparla–Khalaukkhaknee–Payathonzu route through NMSP-controlled territory, while another is expected to use the Sawhta–Kyauktaing–Payathonzu forest route through KNU-controlled territory.
“Their main objective is to reach Payathonzu. They also appear to be planning to clear revolutionary forces operating along those routes. There are more than 150 troops in total, but they have been split into small groups of around eight soldiers in areas such as Weipaung and Kannee. Although they are moving through different locations, their final destination is Payathonzu,” a revolutionary source said.
The source added that the junta columns entering NMSP-controlled territory had requested permission to use the roads. If permission is denied, they are expected to use forest routes to reach Payathonzu.
A resident of Ye Township said junta troops are currently staying in several villages within NMSP-controlled territory and have asked people traveling to plantations to guide them through the area, increasing concern among local residents.
“They are now present in many villages. In some places they stay for one night before moving to another village the next day. About two days ago, they asked residents from Kyaukmikyaung and Weizin villages to guide them. Because of that, people are now afraid to even go to their plantations,” the resident said.
Military activity along the Chaunghnakwa–Kyainseikgyi–Payathonzu road and the Ye–Payathonzu road intensified after reports emerged in mid-June that the military junta had demanded the return of Payathonzu, a town on the Thai-Myanmar border.
After revolutionary allied forces captured the border town of Payathonzu in January 2023, the Karen National Union (KNU) took control of the area’s administrative mechanism, while the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) has continued to oversee the town’s administration.
