The Myanmar military junta forces are reportedly launching near-daily offensives into the northern region of Ye Township, Mon State, an area known for strong resistance forces, while also reinforcing their defensive positions, according to local resistance sources.
The resistance groups say the military is mobilizing significant troop strength to regain full control of areas currently under resistance blockade ahead of the upcoming elections.
A local resistance fighter explained that this security escalation comes as elections are scheduled to begin on December 28 in five townships across Mon State.
“Our resistance forces are also planning to block the elections and protect the areas we control. We are coordinating with allied groups to conduct joint military operations and ambush their advancing columns,” the fighter said.
He added that military convoys entering to reinforce positions have faced ambushes by allied resistance groups from Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi forces, leading to frequent clashes between both sides.
The junta’s troops, numbering over a hundred, are mainly advancing into villages like Hnit Kayin, Bey La Mine, and Aung Thapyay—areas near Ye and Thanbyuzayat townships where resistance activity is strong.
“The military is under pressure after the resistance alliance destroyed the Hnit Kayin police station and detained three non-CDM teachers. That’s why they’re pushing hard with these offensives,” the resistance member noted.
On August 20, two clashes occurred near Aung Thapyay village in northern Ye between the junta forces and the Mon-Karen-Tanintharyi Joint Resistance Force.
Since early May, security along the main roads in and out of Ye has been heavily tightened, with reports of ongoing human rights violations, according to residents.
Sources say the junta’s No. 19 Operation Command Headquarters, based in Ye Township, has reinforced positions at its forward bases, including Light Infantry Battalion 586 and Light Infantry Battalion 61, building additional bunkers with sandbags for protection.
Human rights activists warn that as elections approach, the junta is seeking to demonstrate stronger administrative control in Mon State, which could escalate both territorial disputes and armed conflict.
