19 August 2025
On 19 August, the Tatmadaw fully recontroled Demoso in Kayah State, briefly controlled by KNPP and KNDF groups and terrorists by the name PDF. The Tatmadaw is now conducting necessary area security and clearing operations.
Beginning December 2021, KNPP and KNDF groups and PDF terrorists, with the intention of destroying government administrative machinery in Kayah State, disturb and deter the State’s peace process, and for the people to crouch down in fear, were conducting destructive acts in and around Loikaw, Kayah State. In November 2023, they launched surprise attack against Tatmadaw columns with heavy weapon fire support and also the Loikaw University, a non-military target. They absconded teachers and then started the battle to seize Loikaw step by step. Hence, town security forces and local Tatmadaw columns in cooperation with residents fiercely defended the town from falling into enemy hands. Terrorist insurgents were unable to capture the town and had to fled in dis-array after suffering heavy casualties.
Since November 2023, KNPP, KNDF, and PDF terrorists who fled the area have infiltrated and occupied villages in Demo-so Township, disguising them-selves as villagers. They carried out destructive activities, including attacks on military camps and security force headquarters, burning homes, killing civilians, and looting property belonging to locals. They also fortified houses and religious buildings in Demoso town and blocked the Loikaw–Demoso–Bawlakhe communication route, which led to frequent clashes with security forces. As a result, many locals— including students, children, and the elderly were forced to abandon their homes and property in search of safety, causing severe human rights violations and worsening socio-economic conditions.
In response, Tatmadaw columns launched operations in Demoso Township on August 4, 2025. Starting from the Taun-goo intersection in Shwe York Ward in the north and Pador Du Village in the southeast, they systematically advanced to regain control of areas held by the terrorists. Despite facing difficult and risky battles, Tatmadaw forces successfully secured key locations, including schools, the Township General Administration Office, the Myanmar Fire Services Department building, the church, and the public hospital. Progress was made step by step: on August 7, Pador Du Village and Shu Phe Khu Ward were recaptured; on August 12, the petrol station in Shwe York Ward; on August 14, the Township Police Station, the Fire Services Department, the Public Hospital, and the General Administration Office in Aung Mingalar Ward; on August 15, the entire Shwe York Ward, Township Hall in Sipin Tharyar Ward, and the church area in Myoma Ward. By August 19, Tatmadaw regained full control of Demoso. During the 16-day operation, 23 major and minor clashes occurred. Six enemy bodies and five weapons were seized, while Tatmadaw forces also suffered casualties and injuries.
While temporarily controlling Demoso town, terrorists constructed bunkers using religious buildings, schools, government buildings, hospitals/clinics, and residential houses as cover, attacking military columns with gunfire. They planted mines in residential areas, public buildings, and communication routes used by the public, and used local residents as human shields for attacks. As a result, security forces had to operate in accordance with the established Rules of Engagement (ROE).
Furthermore, military columns have been clearing the communication route connecting Loikaw and Demoso towns, with plans to reopen the Loikaw-Demoso highway soon. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with local residents, to urgently repair schools, hospitals/clinics, government offices, religious buildings, and residential houses damaged by the terrorists. Mine clearance operations and enhanced regional security measures are also being actively imple-mented.
In southern Shan State and Kayah State, the military con-ducted Operation “Yan Naing Min” to counter terrorist activities in controlled or blocked towns, villages, and communication routes. On May 15, 2024, Hsihseng town was recaptured, and the Hopong-Hsihseng-Loi-kaw route was reopened on May 29, 2024. On July 6, 2025, Moebye town was recaptured, and the Pinlaung-Saungpyaung-Phekhon-Moebye-Loikaw route was reopened on July 11, 2025. The entire eastern region of Phekhon Lake was recaptured and reopened on July 31, 2025. Today, military columns have fully recaptured Demoso town, which was temporarily controlled by terrorists.
