Myanmar’s military regime currently controls fewer than 100 of the 350 towns in the country, according to Defense Minister U Yee Mon of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
He made the statement during a panel discussion featuring colleagues including NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La, Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than, Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung, Finance and Planning Minister U Tin Tun Naing. Also attending Saturday’s discussion were Karenni National Progressive Party chair Khu Oo Rehn, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force Deputy Commander Marwi, and 88-Generation student leader U Min Ko Naing.
The NUG’s Defense Ministry divides Myanmar’s towns into four categories: 75 have been completely captured by anti-regime groups; 105 are surrounded by anti-regime groups; 75 are being fought over; and 98 towns remain under regime control.
In January 2023, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing admitted to the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) that his regime had complete control over only 198 of Myanmar’s 330 townships.
Nine months later, the Brotherhood Alliance of three ethnic armies launched Operation 1027, a major offensive that turned the tide of the revolution.
The regime has since lost dozens of towns in ethnic states, particularly in northern Shan State and Rakhine State. It began to lose ground in Mandalay Region last month.
U Yee Mon said his journeys across northern Myanmar, from the Chinese border to the Indian border, had revealed the scale of territory gains made by anti-regime groups since last year.
Min Aung Hlaing admitted at the latest NDSC meeting on July 31 that his regime did not control enough territory to hold a nationwide election next year, as he had previously promised. Voting would have to be held in stages, he said.
The poll plan has been widely criticized as a sham exercise to cement military rule.
Earlier this month, the regime lost northern Shan State’s capital of Lashio when Brotherhood Alliance and allied forces seized the Northeastern Command headquarters. The resistance groups, including People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) under the NUG, are now threatening Pyin Oo Lwin, seat of junta’s military academies, and Myanmar’s second-largest city, Mandalay.
Anti-regime forces are battling regime troops in Madaya, 32 kilometers north of Mandalay City. Fierce clashes are also occurring near an off-take station for China-Myanmar oil and gas pipelines in Taungtha Township, south of the city. Fighting is also taking place in Thabeikkyin Township, 144 km north of Mandalay.
