Parts of Kamamaung–Hpapun Route Reopened :Tatmadaw columns continuing efforts to reopen remaining sections

Military columns have been carrying out area security and territorial control operations along the Kammamaung–Hpapun route, which had been temporarily controlled by joint groups comprising PDF elements described by the authorities as terrorist insurgents affiliated with the NUG and CRPH, together with KNU and KNLA terrorist insurgent groups. In cooperation with relevant officials, they have also undertaken the repair and reconstruction of roads and bridges along the route that had reportedly been mined, detonated and destroyed by the joint insurgent groups without regard for the safety and well-being of the public.

The joint groups comprising PDF elements described by the authorities as terrorist insurgents affiliated with the NUG and CRPH, together with KNU and KNLA terrorist insurgent groups, reportedly launched large-scale surprise attacks on small security outposts along the Kammamaung–Hpapun main road beginning in November 2024, using drones and heavy weapons, with the aim of gaining control of the road in order to carry out acts of disruption in the area and obstruct the flow of goods.

Although security personnel mounted a strong defence, the joint insurgent groups continued to reinforce their forces and launch encircling and blocking attacks. In order to minimize casualties and damage to the lives and property of local residents, security forces were compelled to make a tactical temporary withdrawal. As a result, the joint insurgent groups temporarily gained control of the Kammamaung–Hpapun main road and carried out various acts of disruption.

While temporarily controlling the route, the KNU, KNLA and PDF-affiliated joint groups reportedly committed various acts described as terrorist activities, including excessively collecting extortion fees from cargo trucks and passenger vehicles travelling along the route; looting goods; arresting, torturing and killing people at gunpoint; forcibly recruiting new members; mining and destroying roads and bridges that were not military targets but were important to the flow of goods, including Yay Pu Bridge, Mile 40 Bridge and Kanyindon Bridge; and digging trenches across roads to create obstacles.

As a result, local travellers and cargo vehicles became reluctant to use the route, causing delays in the transportation of goods. This led to shortages of food and consumer goods in the area and rising commodity prices. In addition, restrictions on travel and blockades imposed by the joint insurgent groups disrupted healthcare services for local residents and education for students and young people, while the decline in economic activity gradually worsened the socioeconomic conditions of the local population.

Therefore, with the aim of regaining control of and reopening the route and restoring the socioeconomic livelihoods of the local population, military columns made the necessary preparations and reorganized their forces in Kammamaung. Beginning on 5 May 2026, they divided into separate columns and conducted operations in stages to reopen the route.

The military columns subsequently recaptured and regained control of insurgent positions along the route one after another. On 7 September, they succeeded in recapturing and controlling Phalonggyi Village, located approximately 1,800 metres east of Mile Post 28/5 on the Kammamaung–Hpapun route.

In addition to conducting area security operations along the route, military columns also worked to restore bridges that had reportedly been mined, detonated and destroyed by the joint insurgent groups. Military field-engineering personnel, in cooperation with officials from the relevant ministry, repaired and reconstructed the Yay Pu Bridge, Mile 40 Bridge and Kanyindon Bridge. As these bridges have now been repaired and reconstructed, vehicles and members of the travelling public can once again use the roads and bridges normally.

The military columns will continue efforts, with the participation and cooperation of local residents, to regain control of and reopen the remaining Phalonggyi–Hpapun section of the Kammamaung–Hpapun route as soon as possible.

The operations will continue under a “Counter-Terrorism Operation” against the insurgent groups described by the authorities as terrorists, who are carrying out acts of violence and disruption that undermine national development and the socioeconomic well-being of local residents it’s reported.