Hopes rise for Asian Highway reopening with Tatmadaw's increased territorial control
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Htet Nadi/ Pearl (NP News)
The people are hoping for the reopening of the Asian Highway, which is important for trade, and the Tatmadaw is gaining an advantage on the ground, according to inform- ation obtained by The Statesman from local residents.The fighting is currently intense as Tatmadaw security forces conduct offensive operations to regain full control of the Asian Highway, which the KNU-PDF joint forces have blocked.
“The Tatmadaw forces have already crossed the Tawnaw fall. I heard that the Tatmadaw is making all-out efforts. After gaining control of the Tawnaw Fall, if you cross the Kunchan Kone bend near the Asian Road exit, the military column coming from Myaw- addy and another column coming from Kawkareik will combine and attack from both sides to clear Thinkan Nyinaung area. Once the bailey bridge is completed, the Asian Road will be open,” a local told The Statesman.
According to local residents, the Tatmadaw currently has the upper hand on the ground.
In addition, while the bridge repair work was being carried out on the Kawhnwe Bridge on the Asia Highway, which was damaged by mines, one man was killed and eight others were injured in an attack by the KNU and PDF coalition. Therefore, the bridge repair work has been temporarily suspended, but the locals are hopeful that the Asia Highway, along with the Kawhnwe Bridge, will reopen in October.
“The Tatmadaw has a complete advantage. About 75 or 80 percent, actually. We, the locals, know that the other side is just shouting. The is expected to reopen in the first week of October. Bailey is also taking a break while the injured workers are being treated. Once Bailey is finished, it is likely that everything will be under control in the first week of October. Once Asia Highway is cleared, Thingan Nyinaung 356 and 357 Battalions can be cleared before entering Asia Highway. After clearing all of these hills, the Tatmadaw will have control,” the above-mentioned local said.
Locals, who have endured violence at the hands of the KNU and PDF for over two years, have also welcomed the Tatmadaw's efforts to regain control of the Asian side of the border.
Fighting between the Tatmadaw security forces and the KNU coalition in Kawkareik Township, Kayin State, began in December 2023, and the Asian Highway, which is import- ant for border trade between Thailand and Myanmar, has since been closed. As a result, the forest road, Htawtkawkoe, has been used to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers.