The junta is bolstering military presence and escalating operations in the Zardi Village Tract of Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, aiming to secure full control over the nearby deep-sea port, locals reported.
Since July 1, troops from Mawyawdi Naval Base, Hpaungtaw Village, and the 237th Infantry Battalion, totaling over 100 personnel, have been steadily advancing towards the Zardi Village Tract.
“The soldiers initially gathered forces at Hpaungtaw, strengthening their defenses before commencing military operations. Previously, the Zardi Village Tract was considered as a territory dominated by the People's Defense Force (PDF), and regime troops didn’t dare to set foot around there. This area serves as a critical passage to the deep-sea port, surrounded by dense forests that are ideal for PDF ambushes. The junta is now clearly focused on recapturing control of the port. Its forces beat up about five local men and forced them to act as guides”, a local said.
Since June 7, junta troops have expanded their presence at bases and camps in Yebyu and taken up positions on the hills, aiming to regain control of the Ye-Dawei Road.
Nai Naga, a spokesperson for the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), commented that after reaching an agreement with Russia to revive the stalled Dawei deep-sea port project, the junta is likely attempting to regain full control of the area.
“It appears the junta is redeploying troops in the area to restart the stalled projects. Not only increasing manpower at its existing bases, but it is also establishing outposts on the hills. Due to the presence of civilians, the resistance forces have avoided engaging with the junta troops and have withdrawn”, he elaborated.
On July 2, skirmishes erupted between junta troops and resistance forces around Leshaung Village near the deep-sea port, resulting in injuries to some local residents. However, IMNA is still investigating the exact details.
On June 19, the resistance coalition warned residents to evacuate due to the possibility of armed clashes. Shortly after, daily shelling by the junta's Navy forced thousands of residents from the villages of Zardi, Khaungpyan, Diketakaw, and Kyaukhtayan to flee, and they have not been able to return home since.
