16 July 2025
The Tatmadaw has been conducting an offensive to retake Naung Cho since early June. They successfully attacked and overran all positions held by the TNLA, DPLA, and MDY PDF around Nawnghkio. Less than six weeks later, on July 13, they entered Nawnghkio. By July 15, just two days after beginning operations to clear the area, they had taken control of key locations throughout the city.
Nawnghkio is strategically significant as it borders Lawksawk, Kyaukme, and Pyin Oo Lwin, and it connects to the Union Highway leading to Lashio. It is also crucial in suppressing the TNLA, Danu DPLA, and MDY PDF leaders who refuse to negotiate. The Tatmadaw systematically worked to retake the city through coordinated air and ground operations, deploying several thousand troops to minimize damage. They captured the city in six weeks and secured all important areas as of yesterday.
After the Tatmadaw offensive forced the TNLA, Danu DPLA, and MDY PDF to abandon their positions, these groups retreated to Kyaukme and Mogok. Many of the remaining rebels, who had been defeated and fled without their uniforms, along with a small number of hiding forces, were destroyed by drones. The Tatmadaw managed to seize control of the area within a few days. It took them five days to capture the entire city, while the clearance of Nawnghkio was completed in just one day, leading to easy control of the city.
However, the TNLA, Danu DPLA, and MDY PDF had fled Nawnghkio, employing a landmine strategy that resulted in significant destruction, including damage to houses, buildings, and the Gotdwin Bridge before their escape. As a result, even if the residents of Nawnghkio, who have been away for more than a year, are able to return to their homes, accessing the roads will still be challenging.
Nawnghkio is a mountainous area with dense forests, and the fleeing TNLA leaders remain a concern. The remaining TNLA, Danu DPLA, and MDY PDF forces, which are now scattered, can still launch attacks from the forests and mountains surrounding the city. Military analysts suggest that clearing operations in some outskirts and nearby areas will need to continue.
#Nawnghkio #Tatmadaw #TNLA, Danu DPLA, and MDY PDF #mtnewsupdate
