Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – According to a report from the Myanmar military, since December 2021, armed groups including the Kayah National People's Party (KNPP), the Kayah National Democratic Front (KNDF), and the People's Defence Army (PDF) have been continuously carrying out destructive and violent activities in Kayah State, disrupting local administrative order and creating panic in ethnic minority communities. In response to this situation, the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) launched "Operation Yan Naing Min," a special counter-terrorism operation aimed at quickly restoring control of the affected areas.
The operation's progress shows that Thimoso Township and its surrounding areas were the first to be regained control by the Armed Forces on August 19, 2025. After withdrawing from Thimoso, the aforementioned armed groups briefly occupied Pasawan Township and continued to carry out sabotage activities, launching large-scale attacks on local Armed Forces camps on June 26, 30, July 5, and 7, 2025. The Myanmar Armed Forces stated that the stationed troops and their families put up effective resistance, successfully preventing the base from falling. Eight clashes occurred during the operation, resulting in the capture of six enemy corpses and 11 weapons.
Subsequently, the Myanmar Armed Forces column advanced along the western side of the Pawlak-Thuchan-Pasang highway, gradually seizing key positions and launching deep-penetration operations. On November 27, 2025, the Armed Forces successfully controlled the area near the Thuchan Bridge; on February 12, 2026, they successively captured Nanjit and Papu villages; on February 15 of the same year, the column entered Pasawang Township, announcing the complete recapture of the area.
By the end of the operation, a total of 31 firefights were recorded. Myanmar authorities disclosed that the operation resulted in the capture of 17 weapons of various types, several enemy corpses and explosives, and the sacrifice of some Armed Forces security personnel in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, the Myanmar Armed Forces, in a statement, accused armed groups such as the KNPP, KNDF, and PDF of numerous violations, including using religious sites, schools, government buildings, hospitals, and residences as fortifications; looting; laying landmines on public roads; forcibly conscripting civilians as "human shields"; and arson. Authorities stated they will work with local residents to repair damaged buildings and homes.
With the recapture of Pasawng Township, the reopening of the key Loikaw-Dimawhso-Pruhso-Bawlakhe-Pasawng highway in Kayah State is on the agenda and is expected to resume operation soon.
