Tatmadaw restores Thabeikkyin-Mogok route; Travel resumes

The Tatmadaw troops were able to fully regain control of the Thabeikkyin-Mogok communication route, which had been temporarily controlled by so-called PDF insurgent groups, on 19 January. As a result, from today onwards, locals and travellers can freely and safely move along the Mandalay-Thabeikkyin-Mogok route, and regional trade and transportation activities can now be conducted smoothly and normally.

The NUG-affiliated insurgent groups had recruited young people from Mandalay, Sagaing, and Meiktila plains and DCS personnel who had betrayed their duties, providing them with insurgent training to produce fighters under the PDF name since 25 June 2024. They collected unlawful forces, encouraged support, and collaborated with some ethnic armed organizations to capture Mandalay. Operating under the “Shan-Mann military campaign,” they carried out insurgent activities along the Mogok-Thabeikkyin-Madaya-Mandalay route and targeted towns, villages, government and private factories, and security posts, simultaneously coordinating with military operations in Kachin State and northern Shan State, seeking to reach Mandalay.

Due to the overwhelming strength of these insurgents, security forces had to implement counter-terrorism operations (CTOs) across the region. Troops coordinated ground and air intelligence, acting courageously to prevent insurgents from taking full control of towns, villages, factories, and workplaces. As a result, the Thabeikkyin area, under temporary insurgent control, was fully secured on 23 July 2025; the Alpha cement factory and surrounding areas on 28 August; the Setawgyi dam and surrounding areas on 25 November; the Sin Kuu area on 19 December; and the Ayeyawady bridge (Yadana Theinga) on 22 December. These operations successfully dismantled the insurgents’ military ambitions.

During the time insurgents held these areas, they carried out attacks by constructing bunkers around religious buildings, schools, administrative offices, hospitals, and residential homes, planting landmines on public routes, sabotaging government-owned factories and private workplaces, misusing industrial products for personal gain, and using residents as human shields to attack security forces. These actions caused severe disruptions to local economic, social, health, and educational activities.

By gradually regaining control of the insurgent-held areas, the Tatmadaw earned the trust and support of residents, while insurgent groups lost public backing. Some PDF members, realizing the futility of their actions and unable to accept internal leadership disputes, began cooperating with nearby Tatmadaw units, entering the legal fold together with weapons.

Tatmadaw forces have systematically combined intelligence reports from locals and PDF defectors to clear territories along the Mandalay-Madaya-Singu-Thabeikkyin corridor. The route was progressively secured: on 31 December, the Mandalay-Madaya-Singu-Thabeikkyin route; on 14 January, a local battalion and Seingon village along the Thabeikkyin-Mogok route; and on 15 January, the Kin village and the enemy’s military camp areas were brought under full control.

Remaining stretches of the Thabeikkyin-Mogok route were cleared and secured by Tatmadaw columns: from Kin village, troops advanced on 19 January to the target area near Malepauk village and on 20 January to Malepauk village itself; from Ondan village, troops secured Aung Bardan on 17 January, Seinein on 18 January, and Shwenyaungpin on 19 January. On 20 January, all Tatmadaw units coordinated at Malepauk village, fully regaining control of the Thabeikkyin-Mogok communication route and reopening it for public use.

Tatmadaw troops continued efforts to maintain peace and security across the Mandalay-Singu-Madaya-Thabeikkyin-Mogok region, allowing civilians to travel safely and freely. Armed clashes occurred with insurgent groups during operations, and some Tatmadaw members sacrificed their lives for the nation, while others sustained injuries.

With the communication routes fully restored, vehicular traffic can now operate normally, and the movement of goods and trade within the region can proceed efficiently. Residents can resume educational, healthcare, and socioeconomic activities, strengthening their livelihoods.

Local people, grateful and supportive of the Tatmadaw, welcomed the returning troops along the routes with flowers, drums, and traditional celebratory displays, creating a scene of unity between the Tatmadaw and civilians. Tatmadaw forces will continue restoration efforts, repairing roads, administrative buildings, homes, and schools damaged by insurgent actions. They will cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure smooth trade, safe travel, and strengthened security and governance throughout the region.

MNA/KZL

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