The publicly mandated National Unity Government (NUG) began limiting access to highways in parts of Bago Region and Karen and Mon states on Saturday as it prepares to step up counteroffensives against regime forces in the area.
The No. 2 southern regional sub-command of the NUG’s People’s Defence Force (PDF) issued an order prohibiting civilians from using the old and new Yangon-Mandalay highways, the Bago-Sittaung highway in Bago Region, the Yangon-Mottama highway in Mon State, and the Yangon-Hpa-An highway in Karen State between 6pm and 6am daily.
During the hours when travel is permitted on these roads, civilian vehicles must drive with their windows down and submit to routine security checks, according to the order.
The announcement also included a warning that the NUG will not be responsible for the consequences of non-compliance with the restrictions.
Maung Maung Swe, a deputy minister of defence for the NUG, told Myanmar Now on Tuesday that the organisation was “strategically accelerating combat operations.”
“We had to face an incalculable disparity in strength at the beginning, but we can now launch successful offensive operations. At the same time, we are maintaining control over most areas and have kept our administrative apparatus running,” Maung Maung Swe said.
“However, we must not lose momentum if we want to build on our success and finally get the chance to knock on Min Aung Hlaing’s door in Naypyitaw. That is why all the battalions in their respective military regions are strategically accelerating combat operations,” he added.
The NUG’s No. 2 sub-command area includes Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions as well as Mon State.
Wai Yan, a spokesperson for the Bago Region PDF said they intended to “block all the enemy’s paths.”
“We are going to step up our combat operations. The enemy’s main transit route for weapons and reinforcements passes right through our territory. That’s why we’re blocking it,” said Wai Yan.
The roads where the PDF is imposing restrictions have served as important routes for junta forces to carry supplies, weapons and reinforcements to Bago Region and Karen and Mon states, where PDF and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) battalions have established bases and regularly carry out their operations.
Wai Yan added that civilians should not be worried by the new restrictions and urged them to comply.
“We just want the public to understand the situation and cooperate with us. People tend to panic when they hear about things like the highway being blocked, but there is little need to worry because we’re always attentive to how we can minimise the impact on people’s lives,” he said.
Fierce fighting has broken out near the towns of Kyaukkyi, Nyaunglebin and Shwegyin in eastern Bago Region, as well as in Kyaikhto, Bilin and Thaton townships in Mon State, in recent weeks.
The Shwe Yaung Pya Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway, near Shwe Yaung Pya village in Bilin Township, Mon State, sustained severe damage from a mine explosion on June 29, for which the KNLA claimed responsibility. They had targeted the bridge due to its position on a critical supply line for the junta, according to Saw Kyaw Myint, a KNLA major.
Allied resistance forces similarly blew up a bridge in Kyaukkyi Township, Bago Region, in June in order to cut off junta transit routes.
As fighting intensifies in southern Myanmar, the KNLA has also been conducting routine security checks on Route 8, which connects Bago Region and Mon State with Tanintharyi Region in Myanmar’s far south, to ensure that vehicles traveling the road are not carrying supplies for the junta.
Other resistance groups active in the area are coordinating with the KNLA’s efforts. On June 4, the Tavoy People Liberation Force (TPLF) posted a video showing fully armed resistance force members carrying out security checks on trucks and coaches on Route 8.
“This is our first step to control Route 8. I would like to request that the people exercise caution when using the road and cooperate with us,” said Cobra, a TPLF member.
Junta forces have also blocked and damaged transport and supply routes—including roads in Karen State’s Kawkareik Township, Mon State’s Kyaikhto Township, and other areas—to impede their enemies’ movements.
