Local sources have reported that the military junta has tightened security in Mawdaung town in Tanintharyi Township on the Thai- Myanmar Border. This development comes amid news that joint revolutionary forces are planning a renewed attack.
On July 10, the joint revolutionary forces, who had previously lost control of Mawdaung, announced that they were now fully prepared to re-enter the battle.
Following the announcement, security was heightened at the entrances and exits of Mawdaung as well as in the surrounding areas, alongside a reinforcement of military personnel.
A local resident told IMNA, “They are also thoroughly repairing the bunkers at their military base. Although there are signs that clashes could erupt again, I don’t think it will be as intense as the previous time. Last time, the fighting was fierce because the revolutionary forces launched a major offensive to seize weapons and ammunition from the military base. Now, there is nothing left there.”
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Joint revolution forces captured Mawdaung in November 2025. However, six months later in April, the revolutionary forces were forced to retreat due to a massive offensive launched by the military junta.
Amid the recent military reinforcement, local residents who have returned home are deeply concerned about the situation.
A displaced person from Mawdaung taking refuge in Mon State said that they cannot return home yet, nor do they dare to repair their damaged houses, due to the threat of heavy artillery, drone attack and clashes that could erupt at any time.
“The houses were badly damaged during the previous fighting. Although some people are repairing theirs, we have no plan to do so yet because the situation is still unstable. Those who went back told us that both are conducting strict inspections along the road. They said cars are not allowed through, and you can only travel by motorcycle. That is what I heard,” the resident said.
The joint revolutionary forces have also issued a warning, stating that cargo vehicles are not permitted to travel on the road from the entrance of Mawdaung to No.9 Village and all travel is banned on the route from Thong Khar Junction to No.9 Village.
The joint revolutionary forces have cautioned travelers to strictly adhere to these rules, warning that travelling through the restricted zone could lead to being misidentified as military targets and mistakenly being attacked.
Meanwhile, the military junta is coercing departmental staff who fled due to the fighting to return to their posts.
