By Bala / MPA
The Myanmar military has reportedly seized near-total control of Pasawng in Karenni State, with troops advancing toward the strategic Salween Bridge after a series of heavy clashes with resistance forces.
Military sources confirmed that junta troops established a foothold near the bridge on the morning of February 19.
A local resistance source told MPA that the combined pressure of artillery and drones forced their units to pull back. “They fired about ten heavy artillery shells at the bridgehead. By 2:00 AM yesterday, our forces had to withdraw due to the overwhelming drone presence. It’s fair to say they have now retaken almost the entire town of Pasawng.”
While the military now occupies the town center, revolutionary forces have reportedly maintained blockades at key entry points, including the Nankit, Papu, and Zedikone areas. Small-scale skirmishes continue as resistance fighters attempt to contain the junta’s expansion.
The military’s strategy appears heavily reliant on aerial superiority. Internal sources within the junta’s command told MPA that troops have been ordered to push through the Khe Ma Phyu area.
“The current orders are to advance from Shaung Na to Anku, and then to Khe Ma Phyu Zedikone,” a source within the military stated. “The infantry is emboldened because they’ve been promised continuous air support. If ground conditions deteriorate, jet fighters are on standby to provide close air support.”
The junta’s military commission previously claimed there had been at least 31 separate engagements in their campaign to retake Pasawng.
The fighting has triggered a complete exodus from Pasawng and surrounding villages, including the “10-mile” and “12-mile” settlements. Local media reports indicate that thousands of displaced civilians are now in desperate need of emergency aid.
Travel in the region has been completely paralyzed. All ferry crossings across the Salween River have been suspended due to constant surveillance by military reconnaissance drones and aircraft. The Salween Bridge itself, which had previously been damaged by explosions, is now under the direct control of junta forces, cutting off a vital transportation link in the war-torn state.
