The Joint Revolutionary Forces have imposed travel restrictions on Highway No. 8, which connects Mon State and Tanintharyi Region, particularly along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei and Kawthoung-Bokepyin routes.
Due to ongoing clashes, the Public Defense Forces (PDF) in Myeik District announced on August 12 that the Tanintharyi-Bokepyin section of Highway No. 8 will be temporarily closed.
The Joint Revolutionary Forces stated that parts of the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei route on Highway No. 8 have been closed due to the military junta’s ongoing operations and continuous clashes along the highway.
“In areas like Yebyu and across Tanintharyi, the military’s presence is stronger than before. As a result, clashes have continued in areas like Yebyu, Kawthoung, and Palaw. The junta is exerting significant military force in many parts of Tanintharyi, which has forced revolutionary groups to close some areas,” said a revolutionary official.
Similarly, since August 5, the Joint Revolutionary Forces have imposed restrictions on travel along the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei route, allowing passage only between 6 PM and 6 AM.
Local residents expressed concerns that these restrictions could create long-term difficulties for those who rely on these roads.
“If possible, I hope the roads won’t be closed without the need for clashes. Road closures cause significant hardship for the people trying to get around. I don’t want to discuss the reasons behind these closures, but they do cause a lot of trouble,” said one resident.
The military junta has been attempting to regain control of Highway No. 8, which is currently dominated by the Joint Revolutionary Forces. The junta has continued to launch military operations and increase their forces along the highway.
As the military convoy advances, continuous clashes have erupted between the junta troops and the Joint Revolutionary Forces, leading to a tense situation along the highway, according to locals and revolutionary groups.
