Military columns have regained control of Tagaung, which had been temporarily held by People’s Defense Force (PDF) groups, and are currently carrying out mine clearance and rehabilitation operations, according to official reports.
PDF groups had reportedly taken temporary control of Tagaung and surrounding areas in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, beginning in August 2024. During that period, they established temporary defensive positions in religious buildings within the Tagaung ancient cultural zone and carried out activities that disrupted local administrative operations. As a result, many residents fled their homes and sought safety elsewhere.
In response, military units conducted preparations and launched a series of counter-offensives to regain control of areas under PDF influence. On July 23, 2025, the military recaptured Thabeikkyin. Later, on January 20, 2026, it reopened key transportation routes including the Mandalay–Mattara–Singu–Thabeikkyin road and the Mandalay–Thabeikkyin–Mogok route, allowing vehicles to travel normally again.
Military columns then continued operations aimed at retaking Tagaung, which had also been under temporary PDF control. Preparations were made, and beginning February 6, 2026, troops launched area clearance operations against PDF groups operating between Thabeikkyin and Tagaung.
During the operations, security forces gradually regained control of villages in Thabeikkyin Township that had been held by PDF groups. On March 12, the military announced that it had fully recaptured Tagaung.
According to the statement, while operating in the area, PDF members had used religious buildings, schools, government offices, and residential houses within the Tagaung cultural heritage zone as defensive positions, constructing bunkers with sandbags and vehicle tires. They also allegedly planted landmines along public roads and between buildings, and carried out attacks against military columns. Security forces said they responded in accordance with the Rules of Engagement (ROE) issued for such operations.
During more than a month of operations to regain control of Tagaung and nearby areas, about 85 clashes reportedly occurred between security forces and PDF fighters. Some members of the security forces were killed or injured. Authorities also said they seized 40 firearms, ammunition, grenades, explosive-related materials, and several bodies from the opposing side.
Officials added that many religious buildings and structures in towns and villages within the ancient cultural zone were damaged during the period of conflict. Security forces are now conducting systematic mine clearance operations in affected areas to prevent harm to civilians.
They also stated that efforts are underway to help displaced residents return to their homes and to carry out rehabilitation work, including clearing debris and removing landmines, in cooperation with local communities as quickly as possible.
