Myanmar junta reclaims most revolutionary-controlled territories on Sagaing’s Tamu-Kalay road

Mizzima The Myanmar military junta has reclaimed most of the territory previously controlled by revolutionary forces along the Tamu-Kalay road in Sagaing Region, according to junta-aligned media and ground military sources. Clashes began on 8 June as two military columns advanced from Kalay and Tamu. The junta subsequently reclaimed Bokekan model village in Khampat Township on 29 July, followed by Witoke, Teinteinyan, Yantaingaung, and Tweeban villages on 30 July. “Yes, we yielded them. Under current circumstances, our level cannot match the state-level superior force. We withdrew to avoid casualties among our comrades,” a Tamu District Defense Force official told Mizzima. He said the route opened up because the junta launched an offensive with continuous troop reinforcements, despite suffering heavy casualties, while relying on disproportionate airstrikes and heavy artillery. A military source assessed that only a few revolutionary-controlled villages remain, and that the junta could soon seize the entire 80-mile Tamu-Kalay road section. A Tamu Township People’s Administration member expressed sadness over losing the controlled areas but said People’s Defense comrades “fully discharged their duties.” “It is not the comrades’ fault; they did their duty. In a prolonged battle, ammunition, bombs, and heavy weaponry are crucial. Holding out this long is highly respectable,” he said. Revolutionary forces involved in the clashes included Tamu District battalions, the Kuki National Army (KNA), the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), and allies. The junta’s side was reinforced by Kathe and Naga armed groups that fight against Indian government forces across the border, as well as Shanni and Pyu Saw Htee militias. The offensive on the Tamu-Kalay road followed junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s statement during his trip to India in late May and early June that he would work on regional stability for bilateral border trade, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project. The military source said that because revolutionary forces had controlled the Tamu-Kalay road for nearly three years, they possess superior terrain knowledge, and trade will not run smoothly without their consent. The post Myanmar junta reclaims most revolutionary-controlled territories on Sagaing’s Tamu-Kalay road appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM.