According to local residents and eyewitnesses, the military junta has reinforced Artillery Battalion 315, based in Weakali village, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, by sending additional troops and mortar shells.
On February 7th, more than 20 military trucks, including 12-wheeled vehicles, transported hundreds of soldiers and artillery equipment to the base via the Southeastern Regional Military Command.
A resident from Mudon Township who witnessed the convoy said mortar shells and other military supplies were clearly visible.
“We saw around 20 military trucks heading toward Weakali on February 7. We are not sure about all the equipment, but we saw mortar shells. There were also items that looked like solar panels,” the resident said.
Military observers said the reinforcements could be intended to support the Ahnankwin strategic command area, where fighting has been ongoing. Others believe the troops and ammunition may be deployed along the Thanbyuzayat–Ye roadway.
A resident from Ye Township said the military junta may be preparing to launch operations to retake control of the Ye–Dawei Highway No. 8, which is currently very much under the control of revolutionary joint forces.
“There are military junta bases and security checkpoints along the Ye–Thanbyuzayat road, but revolutionary forces are positioned in Hnit Ka Rin, Mawtkanin and Weakhami. Because of that, the military junta cannot easily send troops to Ye by land. When they reinforce Ye, they have to transport troops by naval vessels through waterways to Ahsin village,” he said.
Local PDF officials also said military junta columns are advancing through villages in Yebyu Township as part of efforts to regain control of the Ye–Dawei section of Highway No. 8.
The Mawlamyine–Ye–Dawei Highway No. 8 is largely controlled by the New Mon State Party (Anti-Military Dictatorship) (NMSP-AD), Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), Ye People’s Defence Force (YPDF), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), PDF units and Dawei joint forces. According to local sources, clashes between these groups and the military junta occur frequently along the route.
