Fierce clashes have erupted almost daily in Tanintharyi Region since the last week of December, continuing through January 8, according to local residents and resistance forces.
The fighting has intensified in Launglon, Palaw, and Dawei townships, where resistance groups, including the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), have launched attacks on military junta checkpoints and bases.
“This year, we plan to escalate our military efforts in the southern region. We’ve been implementing this strategy since the start of the year. Unfortunately, we’ve also suffered casualties on our side during these operations,” said a spokesperson for a regional resistance group.
Heavy clashes on January 6 and 7 in Launglon, Dawei, and Myeik townships caused disruptions to transportation, including the closure of roads used by cargo and passenger vehicles.
Ko Yaw Na Than, a spokesperson for the Dawei-Tanintharyi Refugee Assistance Group, said, “the situation involves direct clashes occurring across various areas. Transportation has become increasingly restricted as military checkpoints tighten their controls. Additionally, two critical border trade routes have been closed. The Dawei-Hteekhee border trade route is shut due to fighting between KNU/KNLA and KTLA forces, while the Mawtaung border route is closed because of clashes between resistance forces and junta troops.”
The junta has reportedly been using mortar shells, and conducting airstrikes during the clashes.
On January 7, in an area without active fighting, the military junta launched an airstrike on Kyunchaunggyi Village in eastern Dawei, killing two civilians.
Casualties have been reported on both sides. Resistance groups confirmed the deaths of at least three of their members, while significant losses have also been reported among junta forces.
