TATMADAW columns regained complete control of the main district of Shan State (North), Kyaukme, which was controlled by the TNLA terrorist group, on 1 October. Tatmadaw continued to march to Hsipaw, about 28 kilometres from Kyaukme, and conducted the preparations for the operation in a short period. Tatmadaw columns continued the counter-terrorism operations against TNLA terrorists beginning on 2 October 2025.
Tatmadaw occupied Saing Khaung, Naung Pain Lay, Zawtigon, Nanghu Taung (Lower), Nanghu Taung (Upper) and Pang Hat villages on 2 October, while Kyaukmegyi village on 3 October, Kho Tin village, point-947 hill and Pan Hote village on 4 October, Nar Khaw, Khe Mon and Bukhar villages on 5 October, Lwal Khaw village on 6 October, Chaung Chauk village on 9 October and Naungan village and the camps of terrorists near the vicinity areas of that village on 10 October.
At the same time, Tatmadaw columns applied the strategic military tactics and crossed the strong current of the Nam Pan Si Stream, which was about 110 feet wide, 12 feet deep, and flowing at around five miles per hour, from an unexpected location. They launched attacks and successfully crushed the remaining terrorist forces. As a result, they managed to recapture Tain Kham and Ngon Sine villages on 12 October, Mulay, Yepu, Laungkhun and Ponephan villages on 13 October, Man Lwal and Kyin Thi villages on 14 October, Bawkyo, Kaungkha and Nakhe villages on 15 October and Hsipaw toll gate through Khar Lain Khar Lway villages on 16 October.
On arrival near the vicinity area of Kyin Thi village, they found out that the terrorists arranged to explode Kyin Thi bridge crossing over Nam Pan Si stream, which is about 200 feet in length and 28 feet in width, located between Kyaukme and Hsipaw towns. At that time, the terrorists retreated, exploding certain places and planting mines along their way. Tatmadaw engineers systematically cleared the mines and repaired the bridge on the same day.
On arrival at the toll gate of Hsipaw, the TNLA terrorists torched the departmental and public buildings in the town. Tatmadaw columns put out the fire in a timely manner and conducted the security measures. On 16 October, Tatmadaw reoccupied Hsipaw completely.
During the 16-day operation, there were seven clashes, 21 engagements, totalling 28, and Tatmadaw seized 13 dead bodies of terrorists, seven arms and ammunition.
While TNLA terrorists were retreating, they intentionally burnt down the non-military targets such as the Correctional Department, General Administrative office and other departmental buildings and public buildings. They built bunkers in departmental buildings, hospitals and houses, attacked the Tatmadaw columns with the cover of houses of locals.
Tatmadaw retook Hsipaw, and the local ethnic people welcomed Tatmadaw columns with ugenia sprigs and flowers warmly.
Tatmadaw columns conducted rehabilitation processes in Hsipaw just like in Nawnghkio and Kyaukme. The entire people are so proud of the success of Tatmadaw, and the well-wishers provided cash prizes, food and commodities for Tatmadaw members, and the officials distributed these items to Tatmadaw members who are on the frontline.
As the Tatmadaw columns were able to recapture Hsipaw, trade and transportation along the PyinOoLwin-Nawnghkio-Kyaukme-Hsipaw Union Highway have resumed smoothly, and the locals are also pleased as the regional development activities can be carried out again. — MNA/KTZH