24 July 2025
Thabeikkyin Township, located in Thabeikkyin District of the Mandalay Region, is the northernmost township in this region. It borders Kachin State, Sagaing Region, and Northern Shan State, and is situated along the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Thabeikkyin is only 77 miles from Mandalay by water and is accessible by large ships from the Domestic Shipping Company that travel between Mandalay, Bhamo, and Myitkyina, along with small ferries operating between Mandalay and Thabeikkyin. The town has vibrant maritime traffic and trade.
When traveling by land, Thabeikkyin is approximately 40 miles from Mogok and 60 miles from Mandalay. It serves as a pivotal hub for connecting to Kachin State locations such as Momeik, Bhamo, and Myitkyina, as well as to Northern Shan State areas including Kyaukme and Hsipaw, as well as to Mandalay.
Since August 18, 2024, the TNLA and PDF insurgent groups have been launching attacks on security posts, battalions, and towns in Thabeikkyin Township, primarily through Moe Meik and Moe Kok Townships. They have engaged in violent acts, including setting fire to the homes of local residents and forcibly stealing their belongings. As a result, many local residents have been compelled to leave their homes and possessions to seek safety.
Due to the overwhelming force of the insurgents, the security forces in Thabeikkyin Township, who were conducting operations in the area, put up a fierce resistance, risking their lives to prevent the town from falling into the hands of the terrorist groups. However, as casualties mounted and the enemy’s strength grew, the forces began to withdraw in stages. They established a defensive position at the local battalion headquarters near 7 Mile Village, successfully halting the terrorists’ advance. During this time, they prepared for a counterattack with the support of air assistance.
The Tatmadaw units fought tirelessly to regain control of Thabeikkyin and the surrounding areas, putting their lives on the line. Over the course of an 11-month operation, they engaged in 17 major battles and had 45 encounters with insurgents, successfully capturing 51 bodies and seizing 112 weapons and related equipment from the enemy.
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