September 9, 2026
Fierce fighting has erupted once again in the Maw Daung region of Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region, as the military junta launches a massive offensive along all connecting roads, according to local revolutionary forces.
Driven by the goal of reopening the Maw Daung border gate, the military council has deployed thousands of troops since August to push through border routes, including the Maw Daung-Htone Khar road.
Because some of the areas targeted by the junta’s advancing columns overlap with the operational territories of revolutionary allied forces, frequent skirmishes have reignited.
“They aren’t massive battles just yet, but clashes are happening very frequently. They have been pushing along this route for a long time in their plan to reopen the border. As they advance, revolutionary groups are intercepting and attacking them,” a local revolutionary comrade told PRM.
He added that in addition to the clash sites, junta troops are continuously launching heavy artillery strikes and airstrikes into nearby villages.
The military junta previously recaptured Maw Daung from Karen allied forces on May 19, 2026, utilizing extensive ground and air offensives.
According to local military observers, the military council is now desperately defending the town to prevent it from falling back into the hands of the revolutionary allied forces.
“They are essentially trying to defend the town from falling again. That is why they are frequently dropping bombs from the air. On the other hand, they have been conducting clearance operations for a long time on every road leading to the town to block anyone from entering,” a local military analyst explained.
Currently, intense fighting is ongoing not only in the villages surrounding Maw Daung but also near Sin Khun and Thea Phyu villages, which are located dozens of miles away, forcing a large number of local residents to flee.
Furthermore, individuals assisting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) report that the advancing junta columns are committing severe human rights abuses along their route, including arresting and killing locals, using civilians as human shields, forced portering, and burning down homes.
(Photo – Social Media)
