Kawkareik is located on the Asian Highway and is a major junction to Myawady, Hpa-an, Mawlamyine, and Kyain-Seikkyi.

To control Kawkareik and the Hpa-an-Kawkareik–Myawady Asian Highway, and to stop the flow of border goods and government administrative machinery, the KNU, KNLA, and PDF terrorist allied groups have, since early April 2024, launched a full-scale operation to seize Kawkareik and nearby local military headquarters. They advanced along the old Kawkareik-Thingan Nyinaung road from the north through Kaunghmu, Yankok, and Kyaungshagon villages, as well as from the south via Lanpha-Asun-Tamainggon, using two columns to enter the town. Furthermore, due to attacks with heavy weapons from afar, offices and departmental buildings, as well as residential houses, were burned and destroyed. Consequently, the ethnic residents were forced to abandon their homes, buildings, and belongings and temporarily relocate to safer areas.

As Tatmadaw columns launched counterattacks to protect Kawkareik town and local military headquarters not to falling into enemy hands, fighting occurred from 19 to 22 April. Those terrorists suffered heavy casualties and retreated in disorder.

Starting from 13 April 2025, KNU and KNLA terrorists have entered along five routes to fully seize control of the Hpa-an-Kyondoe-Kawkareik-Myawady Asian Highway as well as Kyondoe and Kawkareik towns. They use five routes: the Aukbote-Yankok-Kawkareik route, the Aukbote-Myapadaing-Ohntabin-Ingyi-Kyondoe route, the Mikalon-Naungtaman-Tawale-Nachangon-Kyondoe route, the South Kyain-North Kyain-Koetaing-Ngataing-Laytaing route, and the Sakawak-Aunghlaing-Tamainggon-Kawkareik route. They blocked the Kyondoe–Kawkareik–Myawady Asian Highway and launched intense attacks on Kyondoe and Kawkareik towns. Due to these blockades and attacks, the flow of goods in the region came to a halt. Ethnic people in the area faced soaring prices and encountered significant difficulties in daily living, resulting in a decline in socioeconomic development.

Starting from 13 April, Tatmadaw members fought terrorists in seven major clashes and 85 engagements. During the period, some leaders of the enemy sustained serious injuries. Tatmadaw seized 17 dead bodies of enemies, 30 assorted arms and related accessories. Some Tatmadaw members were wounded and killed, but on 24 July, Tatmadaw regained full control and reopened the Kyondoe–Kawkareik route, successfully thwarting the enemy’s military objectives.

Tatmadaw columns are working to ensure that residents, travellers, cargo vehicles, and passenger vehicles can safely and normally travel along the entire highway again. They are repairing roads and bridges damaged by terrorists, conducting mine clearance operations, and managing the swift clearance of remaining road sections to fully reopen the Asian Highway from Myawady. The second phase of reconstruction in Kyondoe and Kawkareik towns, as well as surrounding villages, will continue alongside efforts to uphold the rule of law, maintain regional stability, and strengthen territorial control.

MNA/TTA

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar