The Myanmar military announced it has regained full control of Demoso town in Kayah State on August 19 after clashes with KNPP, KNDF, and PDF forces who had been temporarily holding the area.

According to military reports, armed groups had launched attacks since late 2023, targeting army outposts, government offices, schools, religious sites, and civilian homes. They were accused of destroying property, forcing villagers to flee, using landmines, and building bunkers inside towns. Many civilians were displaced during the fighting.

The military said it began operations on August 4, gradually advancing from the northern and southeastern parts of Demoso. By August 19, after 16 days of fighting and 23 clashes, the army claimed to have cleared resistance strongholds across the town, including schools, hospitals, administrative offices, and police stations. It reported seizing weapons and recovering six bodies from opposition fighters, while also admitting some casualties among its own troops.

The statement added that reconstruction efforts will begin soon, with plans to reopen transport routes linking Demoso and Loikaw, clear landmines, and restore schools, hospitals, religious buildings, and homes destroyed during the conflict.

This recapture of Demoso follows earlier military operations that retook several towns and highways in southern Shan and Kayah states since mid-2024.