Myanmar’s regime has beefed up security in Mandalay, where the Central Command is based, and Pyin Oo Lwin, the seat of military academies, amid fighting in northern Mandalay Region.
Junta personnel imposed tight checks at three checkpoints on roads to Mandalay and street patrols have increased.
A city resident said: “They conduct thorough checks on people and vehicles entering Mandalay. Personnel in plainclothes are also patrolling in stealth.”
The junta has reinforced Mandalay with Pyu Saw Htee militias and former personnel as anti-regime attacks in Madaya and Mogoke threaten Mandalay.
An urban guerilla said: “As the regime is fighting on multiple fronts, it is short of personnel for security. It is using former soldiers and militias for security in the city. It is sending every soldier who can fight to the frontline. The regime may seize men [to conscript], so people should be cautious in the streets.”
Residents have been withdrawing cash from banks and buying up food. Junta personnel are checking homes for unregistered overnight guests and making arrests, said another resident.
“People are not going out at night and homes are regularly checked for overnight guests. Residents are nervous,” he said,
The regime has heavily reinforced Madaya Township, adjacent to Patheingyi Township and east of Mandalay. Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF) has captured eight junta positions, including the Air Defence Battalion 1014 in Madaya Township.
Mandalay PDF has joined the restarted Operation 1027, fighting in Nawnghkio, Mogoke, Kyaukme and Madaya.
A military analyst said Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay are being threatened with attacks in Madaya and Mogoke north of Mandalay, and Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw east of Pyin Oo Lwin.
Anti-regime forces have warned people not to travel on the Mandalay-Mogoke and Mandalay-Myitkyina roads overnight.
Villagers between Nawnghkio and Pyin Oo Lwin have moved to Pyin Oo Lwin town following the offensive on junta positions in Kyaukme and Nawnghkio townships.
Pyin Oo Lwin Township villages are reportedly deserted, said some residents who have remained, adding that they have dug bomb shelters.
The regime has reportedly reinforced Pyin Oo Lwin with around 500 conscripts from the first batch of recruits, and Pyu Saw Htee militias. Anisakan Airport on the Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin road has been busy since June 27, according to residents.
A junta administrative official in Mandalay, who asked for anonymity, told The Irrawaddy that the regime has not yet declared a state of emergency.
Mandalay Region’s junta spokesman Thein Tay declined to comment.
