Tatmadaw secures Khampat, tightens Kalay-Tamu security

 

The Tatmadaw has been undertaking operations to regain full control of the Kalay-Tamu route, an important corridor for Myanmar-India border trade. As part of these efforts, Tatmadaw regain full control of Khampat, a strategically important town along the route for border trade and communications, yesterday.

To fully restore control over the Kalay-Tamu route, Tatmadaw columns marched in a coordinated manner while carrying out phased security operations. Troops marching from Kalay recaptured the villages of Ashaygontha village, 56th-Mile village, and 55th-Mile village, which had been temporarily occupied by terrorist groups, on 7 June. Similarly, they also captured Nan Mootar, Yan Lin Paing and their vicinity areas in the same day, whereas Yazagyo village and Yazagyo dam on 13 June, Yan Myo Aung village on 15 June, Sawbwa Yay Shin village on 16 June and Kyun Taw Yay Shin village on 17 June.

Tatmadaw columns marching from Kalay recaptured Khunnaing and Nankhaukkhauk villages on 19 June, Nankatate village and Khampat town yesterday. Insurgent groups reportedly retreated in disarray toward the north after suffering significant casualties. Security operations are continuing in and around the area to ensure stability.

Khampat, recaptured yesterday, is a sub-township within Tamu Township in Sagaing Region. Located near the Indian border, it is an important town for bilateral border trade along the Kalay-Tamu route. On 3 November 2023, PDF terrorist groups temporarily occupied the town and used local ethnic residents as human shields while establishing strong defensive positions. As a result, border trade routes were disrupted, bilateral goods flow ceased, and import-export activities relied upon by local residents came to a standstill. Moreover, the activities of terrorist groups caused losses and disruptions affecting border security, regional administration, and the resumption of trade operations, resulting in adverse impacts on both Myanmar and India.

Moreover, during the period in which terrorist groups temporarily controlled Khampat and surrounding towns and villages, they carried out acts such as destroying roads and bridges used by the public, collecting illegal tolls from cargo trucks and passenger vehicles, threatening and extorting civilians with weapons, conducting arrests and killings, burning vehicles, looting goods, and engaging in other acts of violence. It was also found that they established bunkers with sand bags in houses, departmental and religious buildings, planted mines in town and village areas and dug within compounds for trenches and used as fortified military positions.

Currently, Tatmadaw columns are now carrying out cleanliness activities and rehabilitation activities in Khampat and other recaptured areas. These include removing debris and damage caused during the conflict, repairing roads and bridges, and conducting mine-clearance operations to facilitate the swift return of locals. Moreover, they will beef up security measures to region control of and reopen Kalay-Tamu route.

MNA/KTZH

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