Junta-appointed civilian staff have returned to Mogok Town in Mandalay Region after the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) withdrew and the junta reasserted control, according to locals familiar with the situation.

“Early on January 19, staff appointed by the junta started leaving Mandalay City for Mogok. That shows the regime has taken full control of Mogok again. I’m not sure which departments the staff are from, but the first group has already arrived in town,” said a local.

The junta’s civilian personnel, including administrative staff, fled Mogok in July 2024 during the second phase of Operation 1027, launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the TNLA, after the group took control of the area.

On October 29, 2025, under a China-brokered ceasefire agreement, the TNLA agreed to withdraw from Mogok, and Momeik (Mongmit) Town in northern Shan State and hand the areas back to the junta. TNLA troops later pulled out of Mogok, after which junta forces returned, accompanied by several senior civilian officials. Lower-ranking personnel are now returning to the town in batches.

Despite the handover, fighting continues in parts of Mogok Township. The TNLA’s former ally, the People’s Defence Force (PDF) under the command of the resistance-led National Unity Government (NUG), remains engaged in clashes with junta forces.

“I don’t really know how heavy the fighting is. But I’ve heard gunfire at night over the past few days,” said a town resident.

By the end of 2025, there were reportedly six major clashes and nine smaller skirmishes between the PDF and junta forces in Mogok Township.

Meanwhile, only a small number of residents have returned so far from among the many who fled Mogok during junta airstrikes while the TNLA was in control.