Fighting has left around 1,000 travelers stranded on the highway linking Mandalay, central Myanmar’s largest city, with Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. The travelers have been stuck since last weekend at two locations: between Tigyaing and Katha towns in Sagaing Region, and near Katha town.
Bus operators along the route said the junta closed the road section between Tigyaing and Katha due to ongoing fighting in Katha, Indaw, Maw Luu, Mawhun, and Namseeawng.
According to a driver, around 500 vehicles are stranded due to the fighting, while passengers and travelers are taking temporary shelter away from the conflict, including in monasteries in Katha Town.
“The number of vehicles reportedly stuck is around 500. People set out after hearing the road had reopened but ended up caught in a long traffic queue. Fighting is currently taking place in Namseeawng, Maw Luu, and Mawhun. Travelers are taking shelter in monasteries, and with vehicles numbering in the hundreds, the number of passengers has also risen to around a thousand,” he told KNG.
The resistance-run National Unity Government (NUG) also announced on May 24 that the Tigyaing–Katha–Indaw–Maw Luu–Namseeawng road section would close indefinitely due to intense fighting along the highway.
This means both sides have effectively imposed closures on the road section. Fighting in the area is also reported to be continuing fiercely.
Locals have reported frequent junta helicopter flights departing from Katha Town in recent days, while KNG is still investigating the frontline situation.
“For now, our town is still safe, but fierce fighting is spreading around the area. A number of helicopters fly overhead every day,” a Katha resident said.
The road section where travelers are currently stranded was previously announced as reopened on May 6 after the junta seized Tigyaing, Katha, Indaw, and Maw Luu towns, reconnecting the Mandalay–Madaya–Tigyaing road section on the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River with Myitkyina.
According to pro-junta media outlets, using this route allows the junta to transport supplies, medicine, and civil officials serving under its command not only to recaptured towns but also to Myitkyina.
