Mizzima-Jan 18
A massive, coordinated offensive by joint resistance forces has expanded into 26 townships across the eastern and western districts of Bago Region, according to high-level military sources. The operation, which began in early January 2026, has seen six consecutive days of intense clashes that have fundamentally shifted the frontline, forcing the Military Commission to yield significant ground. The conflict is currently centered along three critical axes: the primary Yangon–Pyay highway, the historic old Yangon–Mandalay Road leading toward the administrative capital of Naypyidaw, and the strategically sensitive border region between Rakhine and Bago. This escalation is part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the National Unity Government (NUG) known as the ‘Sittaung River Valley Victory Operation,’ which falls under the direct command of the Bago Region Military Command of the People’s Defense Force’s Military Region 2. According to geographical assessments, clashes have occurred in Phyu, Kanyutkwin, Penwegon, Kyaukdaga, Nyaung Chay Htauk, Nyaung Lay Pin, Oktwin, Nattalin, Zeegon, Minhla, and Htantabin townships in western Bago Region. In addition, People’s Defense Force units along the Yangon–Pyay Road, together with local defense forces and People’s Defense Organizations, are operating in coordination. On the Rakhine–Bago border, the Arakan Army (AA) is leading joint resistance forces in Padaung Township. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2026/01/18/30372
