Tatmadaw military columns have regained full control of Thabeikkyin township in Mandalay Region, which had been temporarily seized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allied People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), according to the information team of State Administration Council (SAC).
The SAC reported that TNLA and PDF forces launched attacks from Mogok and Moemauk townships beginning on August 18, 2024, targeting military bases, battalions, towns, and villages in Thabeikkyin Township. These groups reportedly burned down civilian homes, looted public property, and forced residents to flee their homes to escape the violence.
Despite strong resistance from security forces stationed in Thabeikkyin Town to prevent the town from falling into hostile hands, the rising intensity of attacks and overwhelming enemy numbers led to a strategic withdrawal. Security personnel regrouped at a local battalion headquarters near 7-Mile Village and, with the support of aerial logistics, halted the enemy’s momentum and prepared for counteroffensives.
With additional administrative and tactical support, including air, naval, and artillery strikes, the military initiated a counter-terrorism operation to clear areas around the battalion headquarters and beyond. A series of successful operations allowed troops to retake several villages: 6-Mile Village on June 30, 2025; 5-Mile Village on July 5; and 4-Mile Village and a nearby tower hill on July 17. Finally, on July 23, the military fully reclaimed control over Thabeikkyin town.
Over the course of the 11-month campaign, there were 17 major clashes and 45 smaller encounters with TNLA and PDF forces. The military reports seizing 51 bodies of enemy combatants, along with 112 assorted weapons and related equipment.
During their occupation, TNLA and PDF forces reportedly used religious buildings, schools, hospitals, government offices, and homes to construct bunkers and launch attacks. They allegedly looted homes and shops for valuables, food, and supplies, and planted landmines along public roads.
The military is now clearing landmines within the town to allow displaced residents to safely return. Authorities are encouraging those who fled to report to relevant security units if they wish to return to their homes and livelihoods. The regional government is also working with civil servants to restore public services such as education and healthcare as quickly as possible.
Thabeikkyin, located at the northernmost edge of Mandalay Region, borders Kachin State, Sagaing Region, and northern Shan State. It lies on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawady River and serves as a river port town, about 77 miles by water from Mandalay. It is a strategic trading and transportation hub, with large and small ferries operating between Mandalay, Bhamo, and Myitkyina Towns.
By road, Thabeikkyin is approximately 40 miles from Mogok and 60 miles from Mandalay. It also connects to other major towns such as Moe Meik, Bhamo, Myitkyina in Kachin State, and Kyaukme and Hsipaw in northern Shan State, making it a vital regional crossroads.
