Fighting erupted near the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region on July 2, resulting in casualties for both junta troops and resistance forces.

Around 9:00 am on July 2, skirmishes broke out as local People's Defense Force (PDF) fighters launched an attack on a 100-strong junta column advancing to Leshaung Village near the Dawei SEZ.

A PDF official informed Than Lwin Times that three of his comrades were injured during the clashes, while at least four junta troops were reported injured as well.

The junta column departed from Khamaung Village on July 1 and was engaged by the PDF upon approaching Leshaung. Following the clashes, the military situation in the area remains tense.

As the junta restarted operations around the Dawei SEZ, thousands of residents from villages like Leshaung, Hteingyi, Watchaung, Khamaungchaung, Ayekani, Wazwantaw, Yaenge, and Konetharyarinn are fleeing the area.

Similarly, on June 22, junta forces were active in the Dawei SEZ, leading locals to temporarily evacuate.

Fighting has intensified again in the region as the junta launches extensive military operations to regain full control of Yebyu.

Due to the escalation of military conflicts, the number of displaced people in the Tanintharyi Region has skyrocketed to nearly 60,000, according to a report by FE5 Tanintharyi on June 12.