The junta is intensifying military operations to reopen the Tamu–Kale Road in Sagaing Region, a key trade route along the India–Myanmar border.

During a visit to India, coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing reportedly pledged to the Indian government that he would work toward reopening the border trade route. Military operations to reopen the Tamu–Kale Road in Sagaing Region began shortly after his return. The junta’s offensive has also sparked intense clashes with local resistance forces.

Between June 7 and 10, the junta deployed one military column from Tamu Town and another from Kale Town, advancing from opposite directions and opening two fronts along the Tamu–Kale Road.

The column dispatched from Tamu has reached Yanlinhpai Village in Tamu Township, while the one advancing from Kale has reached 55-Mile Village, according to the junta.

The junta also declared that it will continue operations to clear resistance forces along the entire stretch of the road.

Khampat Town and nearby villages along the road have been controlled by resistance forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) since 2023, effectively blocking the junta’s access to the Indian border via this route.

On June 4, the day after Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to India, the junta carried out heavy airstrikes on Khampat Town and nearby settlements.

During his visit to India, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing also pledged to resume construction of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway project. Shortly after his return to Myanmar, the junta stepped up military operations in the region.

The ongoing fighting has forced residents of around 50 villages along the Kale–Tamu Road to temporarily evacuate.