Tatmadaw columns have recaptured a series of villages along the Kalewa-Yagyi-Monywa road as part of ongoing operations to reopen the strategically important Myanmar-India Friendship Highway, according to official reports.

Tatmadaw launched security operations on 2 June to regain control of the route, which had been under the temporary control of joint terrorist insurgent groups. Since then, troops have progressively secured more than a dozen locations, including Yelekkyun, Yagyi, Lapote and Htonegyi villages. On 23 June, military columns reportedly reached Kyaw village and are continuing security operations in co-operation with local security forces.

Clashes occurred during clearance operations along the route, with security forces reporting the seizure of weapons, ammunition, equipment and makeshift insurgent bases. They also claimed that insurgent forces suffered heavy casualties and retreated from the area.

To ensure safe travel for local residents, Tatmadaw columns have been conducting mine-clearance operations along sections of the road between Lapote and Kyaw villages, removing landmines allegedly planted by insurgent groups.

PDF terrorists had reportedly blocked the route and used it to extort money from cargo trucks and passenger vehicles, carry out kidnappings and killings, burn vehicles, and engage in illegal timber extraction and the transport of restricted goods. These activities had disrupted local livelihoods and created insecurity for residents.

The Kalewa-Yagyi- Monywa road is a vital transport corridor linking Myanmar and India and plays a key role in regional trade and logistics. Tatmadaw said counter-terrorism operations would continue to fully reopen the highway, restore security, and support the safe movement of people and goods in the region.

MNA/ST

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