Military Regains Full Control of Mandalay–Myitkyina Route, Reopens Key Transport Corridor

Military columns have fully regained control of the Mandalay–Mattara–Myitkyina transport corridor as of May 6 and have reopened the entire route, according to reports.

In order to reopen the route, military units carried out necessary logistical preparations and systematically reorganized their forces, launching step-by-step operations to recapture towns and villages that had been under temporary control of PDF groups. As a result, Thabeikkyin and surrounding areas were retaken on July 23, 2025; the Phayantaung mining area east of Mattara on August 24; the Alpha cement factory on August 28; the Sittaunggyi area on November 7; and the Singu area on December 19, thereby restoring the Mandalay–Mattara–Singu–Thabeikkyin section.

Tagaung town was recaptured on March 12, 2026, reopening the Mandalay–Mattara–Thabeikkyin–Takone section. The Tagaung–Htigyaing route was secured on March 25, followed by the Htigyaing–Katha route on April 16. Indaw was retaken on April 30, restoring the route from Mandalay to Indaw. Mawlu was recaptured on May 5, and on May 6, military units linked up with security forces operating in Nansi Aung village in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State. With this connection, security operations were consolidated along the entire corridor.

As a result, the full Mandalay–Mattara–Thabeikkyin–Tagaung–Htigyaing–Katha–Indaw–Mawlu–Nansi Aung–Mohnyin–Mogaung–Myitkyina route has been reopened, allowing passenger vehicles and cargo transport to resume normal operations.

The military stated that operations to reopen the route took more than one year and three months, during which 322 engagements—both major and minor—occurred with insurgent forces. According to the statement, 138 enemy bodies, 332 assorted weapons, and ammunition and related materials were seized. It also noted that some officers and soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country and the military.

The statement further added that military units are continuing area security operations and are cooperating with relevant authorities to assist in rebuilding government offices, homes of local residents, schools, roads, and bridges that were damaged or destroyed during the conflict.