The military junta is preparing to advance troops from Hpasawng Township toward the Mawchi area as part of an operation named “Yan Naing Min,” which aims to recapture territories previously lost by the junta, according to U Banyar, Secretary-2 of the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC).

“One part of the Yan Naing Min operation is to launch a military column into the Mawchi area in order to take control there,” U Banyar said.

The junta has announced that it has regained control of Hpasawng town. From there, troops are moving toward the Mawchi region, prompting revolutionary forces to carry out interception attacks. A frontline fighter said that no major clashes have occurred so far during March.

The junta troops advancing from Bawlakhe Township began their push toward Hpasawng in late September last year, moving along the western side of the Bawlakhe–Htoo Chaung–Hpasawng road. The military described the operation as a territorial clearance campaign under the title “Yan Naing Min Operation.” After seven months, the junta claimed it had successfully reached and taken control of the town.

Although the junta states that it controls Hpasawng, clashes are still occurring in and around the town. More than 100 junta soldiers have now advanced from Hpasawng toward the Mawchi area. They are currently stationed at a pagoda near Khemaphyu, located along the main road to Mawchi, and revolutionary forces warn that fighting could break out at any time.

“The junta troops are building defensive positions near the bridge and at the pagoda on the hilltop. It’s a village between Hpasawng and Khemaphyu. There aren’t any large-scale battles yet,” said a frontline fighter.

After claiming control of Hpasawng, the junta announced plans to reopen the Union Highway connecting Loikaw–Demoso–Hpruso–Bawlakhe–Hpasawng, and necessary area security operations will be intensified. As the military attempts to regain territorial control, residents living between Khemaphyu and the Mawchi area have begun fleeing to safer locations in anticipation of possible intensified fighting.

The Mawchi region had not experienced ground battles since the 2021 military coup, although the junta has frequently carried out airstrikes in the area, forcing some residents to hide in nearby forests and mountains.

Earlier this year, the junta conducted airstrikes at four locations in the Mawchi area, including near a lead mining site, resulting in one civilian death. Residents say reconnaissance aircraft usually circle the area before the strikes.

“Mawchi has people from many places. Some locals have built temporary shelters farther away from the town. Because of the airstrike threat, elderly people and children are afraid, so they move to places they believe are safer,” said a Mawchi resident.

As the junta continues its offensive to regain territorial control, revolutionary forces are urging civilians to remain alert about security conditions.

“Mawchi is a crucial economic lifeline for local people. The junta often carries out airstrikes on areas it cannot control, and it is still doing so. We want to urge civilians to stay aware of their security during this period,” said an information officer from the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF).

Local administrative bodies are also expected to issue necessary security warnings. Mawchi is a lead-mining region, and many residents rely on mining for their livelihoods. Officials warn that the junta’s attacks targeting civilians could damage the region’s social and economic stability.

Since mid-2025, the junta has been launching counter-offensives along the Union Highway passing through Demoso, Hpruso, Nanphae, Bawlakhe, and Hpasawng in Karenni State, as well as Moebye town on the Shan–Karenni border, which had previously been under resistance control. The military has since managed to regain control of several areas.