Security forces reclaim control of Union highway

After 16 engagements with terrorist groups along the Hsihseng-Mongpun road and the Union highway since 22 February, security forces regained control of the Union highway on 29 February. The road was restored to operational status on 1 March.
The conflicts began when some members from the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signatory Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA), the KNDF, and KNPP ambushed the security forces and blocked some parts of the road along the highway since 21 February.
They were apparently encouraged by external elements such as NUG and CRPH terrorists, along with locally operating PDFs.
The move was supposedly aimed at shutting down the vital road in the region and undermining the law and order in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, Shan State (South). Some members of the security forces made ultimate sacrifices, while others sustained injuries in the operation. They seized the bodies of the terrorists, along with weapons, ammunition, and related equipment.
The roads connecting Mongpun and Taunggyi remain open for travel as usual after security forces drove away terrorists from the Hopong-Mongpun highway. Security forces, in collaboration with locals, are implementing counter-terrorism measures to address issues such as extortion, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling. — MNA/NT