Since the junta lost control of its Northeastern Military Command in Lashio Town 0n 3 August 2024, military families and administrative officials based in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, in Mandalay Region have been fleeing.

There are many military training schools, including the Defence Services Academy, located in Pyin Oo Lwin Township.

The families of soldiers stationed in the township have been fleeing to other junta-controlled cities such as Yangon, Naypyidaw, and Magway. Those with school-aged children are obtaining transfer certificates from their schools and those with children at private schools are arranging extended leave of absence and withdrawing their children from the schools, according to local residents.

Someone with knowledge of the situation said: "The government school under the control of the military junta issues transfer certificates for the children of military families who need to change schools. There are many instances of both temporary leave requests and permanent transfers being processed.”

People are queuing until late at night to buy petrol in Pyin Oo Lwin Township and many rental vehicles are heading to Yangon.

A Pyin Oo Lwin Township resident said: "People from the junta’s military academy have already sent their families to other places. Administrative officials are also relocating with their families. They seem to be anticipating frequent meetings and possible directives from above, which is why they are moving ahead of time."

Some civilians are also relocating and others are planning their moves to safer areas.

Resistance forces have already captured the nearby towns of Nawnghkio in Shan State and Mogok in Mandalay Region.