NAYPYITAW, Myanmar – July 25, 2025 – Myanmar military forces (The Tatmadaw) has successfully regained control and reopened the Kyondoe-Kawkareik Union Highway, which had been blocked by combined forces of the Karen National Union (KNU), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and People's Defense Forces (PDF).

Since early April 2024, these combined groups had launched significant offensives aiming to fully capture Kawkareik town and local military headquarters. They advanced on two fronts: from the north through Kaung-hmu, Yankut, and Kyaung Shar Kon villages along the old Kawkareik- Thingannyinaung road, and from the south via Lan Pha-Asun-Tamile Kon. The town also endured heavy artillery shelling from distant positions, causing substantial damage to government buildings and residential areas. Many local residents were forced to flee to safer locations.

To reopen these routes and enable the normal flow of vehicle traffic, Tatmadaw columns commenced operations on April 13, 2025. Over a three-month operational period between Kyondoe and Kawkareik, seven major battles and 85 skirmishes occurred with the "terrorist insurgents." During these engagements, the Tatmadaw recovered 17 bodies, 30 assorted weapons, and related equipment from the enemy, with some enemy leaders sustaining severe injuries. While some Tatmadaw personnel were also injured or killed, the Kyondoe-Kawkareik road was successfully reopened on July 24.

Along the highway, efforts are underway to ensure safe and normal passage for local residents, travelers, and cargo and passenger vehicles. Reconstruction and mine-clearing operations are being conducted on roads and bridges destroyed by the "terrorist insurgents." Plans are also in motion to swiftly clear remaining sections of the Asia Highway to fully reopen the route from Myawaddy. Concurrently, the State Administration Council (SAC) Information Team announced that second-phase rehabilitation efforts for Kyondoe and Kawkareik towns, along with law enforcement, stability, and territorial control operations in surrounding villages, will continue.

Kawkareik, located in Kawkareik District, Karen State, is a strategically important economic hub situated on the Hpa-An-Myawaddy highway. It is approximately 41 miles from Myawaddy, a border town with Thailand, and lies on the key Asia Highway crucial for trade. Kawkareik serves as a major intersection, providing good road connections to Myawaddy, Hpa-An, Mawlamyine, and Kyainseikgyi.

#Yangon_Times/PP