Security tightened in Mandalay as opponents of Myanmar regime draw near

Security levels have been raised in Mandalay in recent days as Myanmar’s second-largest city comes increasingly within reach of anti-regime groups, according to residents. On Wednesday, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allied groups captured a junta missile battalion base in Shan State’s Nawngkhio Township, about 100 miles northeast of Mandalay, bringing the entire township a step closer to resistance control. Fighting has also been reported north of the city in Madaya and Singu townships, where the Mandalay People’s Defence Force (MDF-PDF), a TNLA ally, is continuing its attacks on junta positions. In response, residents say the regime has stepped up its efforts to secure Mandalay, where the headquarters of its Central Regional Military Command are located. “The searches at the entrance and exit gates are getting worse. You can’t get through without an NRC. And they’re conducting more nightly guest list checks,” said one local man, referring the national registration cards issued to Myanmar nationals. Another man told Myanmar Now that more soldiers have been deployed around the city’s Aungmyaythazan Township, where Mandalay Palace is located, and in Chanayethazan Township to the south, as well as in Patheingy Township, a short distance east of the city. “I hear they’ve been setting up heavy artillery on Mandalay Hill and are also occupying wards where there were no troops before. They’re also taking over villages in Patheingyi,” the man said. A woman living in Patheingyi Township said that small units of around 10 soldiers each have been stationed in the villages of Yankin Taung, Ye Htwat Thotthan, and Minalar Yankin. “It appears they are preparing their defences in Patheingyi and Aungmyaythazan to prevent PDF troops in Madaya from descending onto the city from the mountains,” she said. Residents have also reported seeing junta troops stationed at the Zay Cho market and the Eain Taw Yar Pagoda, as well as at a football field in Chanayethazan Township. They add that police stations have also been fortified with sandbags in recent days. In recent months, many people displaced by conflict in Sagaing Region and Shan State have taken shelter in Mandalay. Now, however, some residents of the city are beginning to leave amid fears the fighting could soon reach them, according to locals.

Security tightened in Mandalay as opponents of Myanmar regime draw near

Residents say there has been a heavier military presence than usual in the city as anti-junta groups continue to advance in areas to the north and northeast

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