Sources from the resistance report that military forces of the junta, currently occupying Mayan Chaung village, are using local villagers as human shields and not allowing them to flee.
Since July, clashes have intensified as both sides began military operations in Mayan Chaung. The junta has been reinforcing its troops from the 282nd Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) based in Ye Phyu, and confrontations continue.
Currently, the military is conducting troop movements and establishing positions within the village. A local resistance fighter said that residents remaining in the village are being used as protective cover and are not allowed to leave.
“In Mayan Chaung, the military moves in and out like a transient battalion. Shops and villagers are trapped; only a few remain inside. Those entering the village are blocked. The army uses the villagers as shields for their operations,” the fighter said.
Although some locals began fleeing due to clashes from the second week of August, those who remain are effectively trapped, with access to leave restricted.
According to people assisting the displaced, nearly 800 locals from Kaw Hlaing, Mayan Chaung, Mile 60, and Thaya Mon villages have reportedly fled since mid-August.
The Mon, Karen, and Dawei Resistance forces currently control the main Union Highway. The junta is attempting to regain control, sending reinforcements from the 282nd Light Infantry Battalion as well as other units from Kanbawza and Kalin Aung fronts, according to an officer responsible for frontline operations.
“Because our combined forces control the Union Highway, the junta is trying to retake it. Clashes happen daily, mainly involving the 282nd Light Infantry Battalion. Reinforcements come from the Kanbawza and Kalin Aung fronts, from units 408, 409, and 410. At Mayan Chaung, they push in with roughly 150 troops,” the officer said.
On August 20, clashes occurred between the junta forces and the resistance coalition in Mayan Chaung. Resistance fighters report that the situation remains volatile along the main road in Ye-Dawei, where fighting could break out at any time.
Due to ongoing clashes, travel along certain roads is frequently restricted, and civilians are advised to exercise caution if there is no urgent need to travel.
This August, fighting has also intensified along the Malwe Taung–Kalin Aung road in Ye Phyu Township, with the junta splitting its forces into four battalions moving toward Nat Ein Taung and Malwe Taung areas.
