In Ye Township, Mon State—especially in villages across the northern part of Ye—military commission units have been conducting daily forward-patrol style operations. According to local residents and resistance sources, frequent clashes have occurred as these columns encounter attacks from joint resistance forces operating in the area.
Resistance groups in the region reported that, in the final week of November, a column of around 100 troops moved through Kaninkamawt, Aung Tharyar, Leimorchan, and Aung Thapyay villages along the No. 8 Union Highway, where resistance forces maintain strong control.
Regarding election-related activities, the military commission has been advancing through villages in “forward security” or “forward assault” formations. In the past week alone, at least three clashes broke out between military commission troops and allied resistance groups.
“Because of the election issue, they’ve been carrying out forward-security and forward-assault operations. This morning (December 1), around 100 of their troops advanced into the area. Heavy weapons haven’t been fired yet, but it’s clear armed groups will shoot. In the past few days, there was another clash—they even fired heavy weapons,” said Lieutenant Yan Naing, a spokesperson for the Ye People’s Defense Force (YPDF).
Lt. Yan Naing also urged residents in northern Ye to remain alert, warning that the military may fire heavy weapons into areas where their ground troops cannot yet penetrate, and clashes could erupt at any time.
Another Ye local said two or three additional military columns have been operating near the Ye Balu battalion zone, including around A Yu Taung, Ywa Thit, Kyauk Ywa, and Waeyarhaing villages. These forces have been advancing once a week, patrolling in full gear by vehicle, he said.
According to another local resident, the columns include forces led by People’s Military leader Lin Oo, as well as battalions based in Mawkanin, Infantry Battalion No. 106, Regiment No. 317, Light Infantry Battalion No. 588, and 587. They are also joined by the pro-democracy Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA). Each column is estimated to have between 100 and 150 troops.
“They switch personnel between the Mawkanin side and the A Yu Taung side. They move around constantly. Each column advances once or twice a week. They usually have around 100 troops, including Karen forces. Sometimes it’s two columns, sometimes three. When they patrol inside villages, there are about 10 to 15 soldiers in each patrol group. Their movement depends on timing,” the local resident added.
Residents from A Yu Taung and nearby areas said they are unable to visit their orchards and plantations because military troops have been detaining villagers, beating them, and using them as human shields during column movements.
According to the Kyikehto People’s Defense Force, three clashes took place on November 25 and 27 between joint resistance groups and military commission troops in Ye Township, resulting in the deaths of seven military commission soldiers and injuries to five others.
Military analysts focusing on Mon and Karen regions noted that the military commission has increased its troop deployments from the usual dozens to several hundred per column. The objective is to suppress resistance forces in southern Mon State and strengthen control over contested territories.
Additionally, resistance groups and locals reported that the military commission has been transporting ammunition and reinforcements into the conflict-intensified southern Mon region via waterways.
