By Hsu Yee / MPA
Bago, Myanmar — The Myanmar military has launched a counter-offensive to recapture the town of Taw Kywe Inn (also known as Aung Myin), deploying ground reinforcements and air support after resistance forces seized control of the strategic location early Friday (January 9).
The town, situated on the vital old Yangon-Mandalay highway in Kyauktaga township, fell to joint resistance forces following an attack that began at approximately 02:50 local time.
Counter-Offensive Underway Military sources on the ground confirmed to MPA that while initial airstrikes have ceased, the junta is urgently moving fresh troops from nearby Kyauktaga and Kanyutkwin townships to encircle and retake the area. The military had previously maintained fortified positions at the town’s police station, railway station, and along the train lines.
“We can confirm the seizure of the town,” a military source said. “However, reinforcements are currently being deployed from both the Kyauktaga and Kanyutkwin sides to regain control. The situation inside the town remains fluid.”
Transport Paralyzed The fighting has severed a key transport artery. As of 3:00 PM Friday, the old Yangon-Mandalay highway remained closed, with reports of civilian vehicles and travelers trapped along the route due to the blockade.
Taw Kywe Inn is located just over four miles from Kanyutkwin and approximately ten miles from Kyauktaga.
Escalating Violence in Bago The seizure of Taw Kywe Inn marks a significant escalation in the Bago Region this week. Just two days prior, on January 7, resistance forces launched simultaneous raids on military outposts in Nattalin, Zigon, and Minhla townships.
The Bago Region Military Command claimed those earlier attacks resulted in approximately 40 junta casualties and numerous injuries.
