The Thanlwin Bridge (Hpasawng) on the Hpasawng–Mese route was destroyed by a landmine explosion on the morning of February 17, according to reports.
After military columns regained full control of Hpasawng in Kayah State on February 15, they had been carrying out area security and clearance operations. The Thanlwin Bridge (Hpasawng) was destroyed by a landmine blast during these operations.
Following the military’s recapture of Hpasawng, which had been temporarily controlled by KNPP, KNDF, and PDF, the groups reportedly planted and detonated explosives on the bridge to prevent military columns from advancing toward Mese.
The Salween Bridge (Hpasawng), which connects Hpasawng and Mese, is more than 1,200 feet long. Due to the explosion, sections of the bridge on the Hpasawng side were reportedly damaged.
Since December 2021, the KNPP, KNDF, and PDF have been carrying out operations in Kayah State aimed at disrupting government administration and launched offensives to seize control of the state capital, Loikaw. Military forces responded with counteroffensives and regained control of Loikaw in late November 2023.
After losing Loikaw, KNPP, KNDF, and PDF forces reportedly withdrew and based their movements in Demoso Township, where they conducted operations to cut transportation routes.
In response, military forces launched an operation named Yan Naing Min to quickly regain control of towns and communication routes temporarily blocked by the groups. On August 19, 2025, they reportedly retook Demoso and surrounding areas that had been under temporary control by KNPP, KNDF, and PDF forces.
After withdrawing from Demoso, the groups temporarily occupied Hpasawng and launched four major attacks on local battalion headquarters on June 26 and 30, and July 5 and 7, 2025, in an attempt to fully control the area. However, they failed to capture the battalion bases and withdrew, maintaining temporary control of Hpasawng by shelling the town from a distance with heavy weapons.
The groups also reportedly set up layered blockades along routes expected to be used by military reinforcement columns. Eight clashes of varying intensity occurred, during which six bodies and 11 assorted weapons were reportedly seized from KNPP, KNDF, and PDF forces.
Military columns later carried out preparations to retake Hpasawng and nearby areas under temporary control of the groups. Starting September 30, 2025, clearance operations were conducted from the western side of the Bawlakhe–Htoo Chaung–Hpasawng road. Areas around the Htoo Chaung Bridge, which had been destroyed by landmines, were secured on November 27. On February 12, 2026, the military captured Nam Kit and Papu villages—described as key strongholds of the groups—and continued operations toward Hpasawng. On February 15, 2026, military forces reportedly fully recaptured Hpasawng.
During the recapture operations, 31 clashes of various scales occurred between military forces and KNPP, KNDF, and PDF fighters. Seventeen assorted weapons, bodies, and explosive-related materials were reportedly seized. Some security personnel were killed in action, while others sustained injuries during the fighting.
