Tamadaw secures Demoso after 16-day military operation
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Phyo (NP News) - August 24
The Tatmadaw has regained full control of Demoso Township, Kayah State, which had been temporarily controlled by the KNPP, KNDF, and PDF terrorists, on August 19, and continues to conduct necessary security and area clearance operations, according to a statement from the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC).
Since December 2021, the KNPP (Karenni National Progressive Party), KNDF (Karenni Nationalities Defence Force) and PDF terrorist groups have been wreaking havoc in and around Loikaw in Kayah State. Their aim is to undermine the government’s administrative mechanism in Kayah State, disrupt the peace process of the state and the government, and instill fear in the local ethnic people. In November 2023, they used heavy weapons to infiltrate Loikaw University, a non-military target, and opened fire, abducting teachers. They gradually launched a battle to take over Loikaw. As the local security forces joined with the local people to prevent Loikaw from falling under their control, the terrorist insurgents were unable to capture the city and fled in chaos, causing many casualties.
Since November 2023, the KNPP, KNDF and PDF terrorists who fled the area have infiltrated and occupied villages in Demoso Township. Disguised as villagers, they have carried out destructive activities such as attacking Tatmadaw camps and security forces headquarters, burning down homes, killing people, and forcibly looting and taking possession of property belonging to local ethnic groups.
They have also made strong defensive preparations in homes and religious buildings in Demoso Town and blocked the Loikaw-Demoso-Bawlakhe transportation route, resulting in clashes with security forces, and have killed local ethnic groups, students, and teachers who are working honestly. Children and the elderly have been forced to abandon their homes and belongings, temporarily relocating to safer towns and villages. This has resulted in a significant decline in their human rights and socio-economic lives.
Therefore, military columns have launched clearance operations since August 4, 2025, to regain control of the surrounding area and the town of Demoso.
It stated that the key locations were secured in phases: the Padodu village and Shuphekhu Ward in the southeast of Demoso Township on August 7, the gasoline station in Shwe York Ward on August 12, government buildings including the township police station, fire service department, township general hospital, and township general office in Aung Mingalar Ward on August 14, and the entire Shwe York Ward, the township hall in the municipal zone, and the church in Myoma Ward on August 15.
After this systematic recapture, the entire town of Demoso was secured on August 19. During the 16-day operation, 23 major and minor battles took place, and six terrorist bodies together with five weapons were seized.
Currently, the Tatmadaw columns have completed the clearing of the road connecting Loikaw and Demoso, and will soon reopen the transportation route between the two towns. The Tatmadaw personnel are repairing damaged infrastructure including schools, hospitals, clinics, offices, department buildings, and religious buildings and homes. They are also beefing up mine clearance and security activities in the area.
This operation is part of a broader anti-terror operation of the Tatmadaw, dubbed "Operation Yan Naing Min”, against towns, villages and transportation routes in southern Shan State and Kayah State that were controlled or blocked by terrorist groups.
Previous operations have resulted in the military establishing control over Hsihseng on May 15, 2024, reopening the Hopong- Hsihseng- Loikaw route on May 29, securing Mobye on July 6, 2025, reopening the Pinlaung-Song Pyaing-Phekon-Mobye-Loikaw route on July 11, and reclaiming the entire eastern part of the Phekon Lake on July 31.
The Tatmadaw’s counter-terrorism operations have now gained momentum, recapturing towns previously controlled by the militants. This bodes well for the upcoming elections as more peaceful towns allow for wider election coverage.
The NDSC has declared martial law in three of the seven townships in Kayah State: Shadaw, Hpasawng and Mese. Based on the recent Demoso's victory, some locals reportedly hope that the Tatmadaw will soon regain control of these three townships.