The Htonekhar-Mawtaung border trade road has been blocked since 6 December, as the junta conducts military preparations in Mawtaung, Tanintharyi Region, near the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a warning from the local-based Kawthoolei Army (KTLA).
In addition to the military preparations in Mawtaung, the military council is providing Pyu Saw Htee militia training to forcibly recruited civilians. Junta soldiers are stationed on Pagoda Hill outside the town, positioning heavy weapons there.
The KTLA said that the revolutionary forces have had to make preparations near Maw Taung to prevent the junta troops from advancing.
The KTLA said the military council warned the revolutionary forces to withdraw from their positions within three days, starting from 3 December. They warned that failure to comply would result in military action.
In response to the military council’s threat, the revolutionary forces warned they would not withdraw and would instead monitor the situation closely. They said they would respond based on the movements of the military council, the Pyu Saw Htee militia training, and the junta soldiers stationed on Pagoda Hill outside the town.
According to KTLA, there is currently military tension between the revolutionary force and the military council near Mawtaung town and the battle may occur at any time.
To avoid civilian casualties from the fighting, passage through the Htonekhar – Mawtaung border trade road will be prohibited from 6 December. The time for reopening will be announced later.
Sent by Than Lwin Times