Tatmadaw retakes key areas in Mandalay Region, restores security and trade routes

TATMADAW columns recap­tured, one by one, the areas of Madaya, Singu and Thabeikkyin townships in Mandalay Region that had been temporarily con­trolled by so-called PDF terrorist insurgent groups.

To restore peace and stabil­ity in the Mandalay-Madaya-Sin­gu-Thabeikkyin area and to en­sure that locals and travellers could use communication and transport routes safely, area security operations were con­tinuously carried out. As a re­sult, the Mandalay-Madaya-Sin­gu-Thabeikkyin transport route was fully brought back under control and reopened on 31 De­cember 2025.

As the Tatmadaw recap­tured these areas, residents developed greater trust and confidence in the armed forces and began offering their support with increased enthusiasm. They also started providing timely in­formation on terrorist activities to nearby Tatmadaw units.

Losing public support caused members of the so-called PDF terrorist insurgent groups to become disillusioned with their violent activities. They also found it unacceptable that bullying, co­ercion and acts of brutality had arisen within their own ranks. With a growing understanding and acceptance of the State’s and Tatmadaw’s principles, some members of these groups contacted nearby military camps and responsible authorities in their areas, surrendering within the legal framework and bringing their weapons and ammunition with them.

To ensure the safety and se­curity of social and economic life in and around the Thabeikkyin– Mogok area, to facilitate smooth and efficient trade, and to enable the systematic management of above-ground and underground natural resources contributing to national economic development, Tatmadaw columns have been working to reopen the Thabeik­kyin-Mogok transport route as quickly as possible.

Efforts were made to re­capture and regain control of local battalion headquarters and surrounding areas that had been temporarily dominated by terrorist insurgents. Based on systematically consolidated and assessed information pro­vided by residents and defected members of the PDF groups, area security operations were conducted through balanced and coordinated advances by Tatmadaw columns.

As a result, Tatmadaw units fully recaptured Nyaungpintha Village on 11 January 2026, Poezanwe Village on 12 January, Kyaukhlebee Village on 13 Janu­ary, and, on 14 January, the local battalion headquarters along the route and the surrounding area of Seingon Village.

During the operations to retake the area, fierce and de­termined attacks were carried out without regard for personal safety. In total, 37 engagements— both large and small—occurred with terrorist insurgents. Fifteen enemy bodies were recovered, along with 34 weapons of various types, ammunition, and related equipment. Some Tatmadaw of­ficers and soldiers were killed or wounded in the process.

After recapturing Nyaung­pintha, Poezanwe, and Kyaukhle­bee villages, and proceeding with area-clearing operations, resi­dents who had endured severe abuse and oppression at the hands of the terrorists warmly welcomed the Tatmadaw col­umns. Elderly people, children, men and women alike gathered in large numbers, joyfully greet­ing the troops while holding victory flowers and garlands—a scene that was both heartening and moving.

Tatmadaw columns will continue necessary area control operations within the region, tar­geting and eliminating terror­ist insurgents hiding along the road between Seingon Village and Mogok. In coordination with residents, they will also work to restore the smooth and efficient flow of trade and ensure that travellers can move safely and with peace of mind. Efforts are being made to reopen as quickly as possible the transport routes connecting Mogok, Thabeikkyin and Mandalay. Tatmadaw units will continue to intensify area security and control operations to achieve these objectives. — MNA/KZL