COMBINED terrorist groups, including elements of the KNU, KNLA, DKBA, and PDFs, launched coordinated offensives across the Myawady-Thingannyinaung-Kawkareik Asian Highway starting in March 2024. The operations were aimed at controlling critical border routes to expand illicit cyber-fraud and gambling syndicates.
During a 28-day assault on local battalion headquarters and public buildings in Thingannyinaung, the groups caused widespread destruction to departmental offices and residential areas, forcing local communities to flee and severing key border trade access. The insurgent groups systematically disrupted transit along the Hpaan-Kyondo-KawkareikMyawady economic corridor by taking cover in rural villages, laying mines, extorting commercial vehicles, and detonating critical public crossings, including the Nyinya Thalin, Five-Post and Kawtnwe bridges.
These disruptions halted commodity flows, triggered sharp price inflation, and severely impaired local livelihoods while allowing cross-border scam operations to flourish under armed protection. In response, Tatmadaw columns launched counter-operations on 13 April 2025, to clear the transport arteries. Over three months of sustained manoeuvres involving 92 clashes, troops neutralized 17 insurgents, seized 30 assorted firearms, and reclaimed control of the Kyondo-Kawkareik section on 24 July 2025. Supported by the Myanmar Police Force, security personnel also defended Thingannyinaung from further attacks, formally reopening the Myawady-Thingannyinaung-Kawkareik Asian Highway on 6 September 2025. Following the securing of main roadways, combined forces moved to dismantle major cybercrime enclaves.
In the KK Park zone southeast of Myawady, authorities detained 1,282 undocumented foreign nationals, seized scam equipment, and completely demolished 635 related structures by 9 January 2026, transferring the detainees abroad via Thailand. Similar measures in Shwe Kokko led to the apprehension of 2,075 foreigners and the total demolition of 77 illegal operations facilities by 26 July 2026. Security operations in the Kyauk Khet area between July and August 2026 led to 46 engagements, the seizure of fortified camps, arms, 219 mines, Starlink terminals, 452 mobile devices, and the detention of 777 suspects.
Battlefield engineering unit concurrently rebuilt destroyed infrastructure, including the 80-foot Kyunkhunnapin Bailey bridge and damaged spans along the Kyondo-Kawkareik-Myawady stretch, fully restoring regional mobility. Authorities reaffirmed their resolve to eradicate online scams as a national priority, working in coordination with neighbouring countries to conduct regular sweeps and permanently prevent illegal networks from re-establishing footholds in border regions.
MNA/ST
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