A junta convoy that originated from Mandalay, a major city in central Myanmar, and had recently arrived in Kachin State reportedly clashed with local resistance forces along its route, triggering multiple skirmishes, according to resistance sources. It was the second convoy to travel from Mandalay to Kachin State.
The convoy, consisting of around 300 vehicles—including two armored combat vehicles—departed from Mandalay on May 22 and reportedly arrived in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, on May 31.
The junta has already sent such large convoys twice to reinforce its troops in Kachin State, said a resistance member operating along the border of Kachin State and Sagaing Region.
“The main objective of the convoy was to reinforce troops in Kachin State. Some junta soldiers from the convoy were also left behind in towns and villages along the route to establish positions there. Clashes did occur along the convoy’s path, but the enemy’s strength was overwhelming, making it difficult for us to achieve any significant gains,” he told KNG.
The junta, which has regained control along the Mandalay–Myitkyina highway, announced that the convoy carrying materials for reconstruction efforts arrived in Myitkyina on May 31.
The junta claimed the convoy was carrying only food, consumer goods, construction materials, medicine, stationery, and classroom supplies. However, locals reported frequent clashes along its route.
Although the Myitkyina–Mandalay Road has reopened, clashes continue in areas around Katha, Indaw, Maw Luu, and Namseeawng—towns along the border of Sagaing Region and Kachin State—and security remains uncertain, drivers operating along the route reported.
In May, around 500 vehicles and 1,000 travelers were stranded along the Katha Town area and nearby highway stretches due to fighting in the same section.
The route reopened on May 6 and passage resumed, but renewed fighting broke out, leaving travelers in a difficult situation.
On May 12, the junta’s first convoy—comprising an armored vehicle and about 400 trucks carrying soldiers and supplies—traveled from Mandalay to Myitkyina.
Junta-controlled media reported that another convoy of around 100 vehicles also set off for Myitkyina on May 31.
