Since the start of the year until May 5, the resistance forces have successfully captured Junta bases and outposts in Dawei, Tanintharyi, Thayetchaung, Yebyu, and Bokepyin townships.
For the initial three years post-coup, the resistance forces had never achieved success in capturing Junta bases in the Tanintharyi Region. However in 2024, the tide has turned, with continuous takeovers of the Junta's military fortifications by the resistance forces
In a historic first, local resistance forces gained control over the Junta's Kyaukhtu base situated in the Banchaung area of Dawei Township on January 24,, with several Junta soldiers captured alive.
As follow-up actions, the joint resistance forces successfully seized control of the Junta and affiliated Pyu-Saw-Htee militia bases located in Mawhtaw, Yaungmaw, Pedet, No 1020 Hill, Tower Hill, Mintharywar, Maeway, and Kyaukse.
"Throughout this year, growing teamwork has led to continuous success for the resistance forces in capturing enemy bases. As the Junta struggles to replenish its dwindling forces, they are deploying all their remaining manpower to counter our attacks on every front.They possess a significant advantage in weaponry and ammunition, and they're mobilizing all branches of the military—Army, Air Force, and Navy—to counter our assaults. Their main goal seems to be holding onto Dawei”, Comrade Htet Myat, spokesperson for the Ba Htoo Army told IMNA.
After a strategic retreat, the resistance forces abandoned the captured Mintharywar-based Pyu-Saw-Htee encampment and the Junta's defensive outpost on the Maeway mountaintop.
"In assessing success, capturing a base does not just mean permanent control. Preventing the enemy from using it further, is also a victory for us. With our guerrilla tactics against a stronger enemy, permanent control is tough. Plus strategies for southern and northern Myanmar differ based on resources and conditions”, a local political and military analyst said.
Some battalions from the Karen National Union (KNU) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) were also involved in certain operations aimed at targeting Junta bases in the Tanintharyi Region.
Throughout the initial four months of 2024, Tanintharyi Region witnessed over 220 clashes and skirmishes. Data from FE5 Tanintharyi, a monitoring group, revealed that the Junta conducted 13 airstrikes and dropped hundreds of bombs in April alone.
