On February 28th, Myawaddy TV, a channel controlled by the Military Council, declared martial law in Mabein and Mongmit (Momeik) townships, situated in northern Shan State.
Myawaddy TV reported that martial law was imposed to transfer the administrative and judicial authority of the two townships to the commander of the Northern Regional Command.
Since January 18th, fighting in the vicinity of Mongmit has escalated. A coalition of the revolutionary forces, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF), has launched an offensive to capture the town.
However the Junta proclaimed via its affiliated media that it had restored complete control over Mongmit on January 27th.
Another offensive launched by the Arakan Army (AA) and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in collaboration with local resistance groups has targeted Mabein, located adjacent to Mongmit, on the morning of January 20th. On January 21st, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes AA, declared that the coalition forces had secured complete control over Mabein.
The Military Council also imposed martial law in eight other townships in northern Shan State, in November: Kutkai, Kunlong, Namhkam, Muse, Lashio, Hsenwi, Konkyan, and Laukkai.