Myanmar Military Regains Control of Razagyo Village and Reservoir During Operations to Reopen Kalay–Tamu Road

Myanmar military columns conducting operations to restore control and reopen the Kalay–Tamu road have reportedly recaptured Yazagyo Village and the Yazagyo Reservoir, which had been under the temporary control of PDF groups.

According to reports, military units launched coordinated area-clearance operations from both the Kalay and Tamu sides beginning on June 7 with the objective of reopening and securing the Kalay–Tamu transportation route. On the evening of June 13, troops advancing from the Kalay side regained control of Yazagyo Village, and on June 14 they also recaptured the Yazagyo Reservoir.

The Yazagyo Reservoir is located near Yazagyo Village in northern Kalay Township, Sagaing Region. The dam was constructed to provide irrigation water to agricultural lands in the Kabaw Valley and to generate electricity. Construction began during the 2003–2004 fiscal year and was successfully completed in 2015–2016. The facility commenced operations on February 27, 2016. The hydropower station has an installed capacity of 4 megawatts, while the reservoir can store up to 52,000 acre-feet of water and supply irrigation to approximately 8,000 acres of farmland, contributing to the socio-economic development of local communities.

According to military sources, while controlling the reservoir, insurgent groups had constructed bunkers and firing positions around the facility and used it as a military base. The statement further alleged that the groups operated the reservoir gates according to their own interests without regard for public needs, affecting electricity generation, drinking water supplies, and irrigation services. As a result, nearby villages reportedly experienced shortages of electricity, potable water, and irrigation water.

The military stated that with the recapture of the reservoir, authorities will be able to resume systematic management of the dam, including the regular opening and closing of water-control gates, water storage, seasonal irrigation distribution, and controlled water releases. These measures are expected to help ensure adequate supplies of electricity, drinking water, and irrigation water for local residents.

In a statement, the military also accused PDF allied groups of imposing unauthorized fees on cargo trucks and passenger vehicles traveling along the Kalay–Tamu route during the period they controlled parts of the road. The statement further alleged that the groups engaged in intimidation, abductions, killings, vehicle arson, and looting of goods, causing disruptions to trade and transportation. According to the military, these activities led to delays in commodity flows, increased prices for consumer goods and food, and negatively impacted the socio-economic conditions of local residents.

The military additionally claimed that PDF groups entered villages along the route to conduct forced recruitment and collect money from residents. It alleged that they converted civilian homes, religious buildings, and schools into temporary defensive positions by constructing bunkers with sandbags, digging communication trenches and firing pits, and using the locations as military camps from which to launch attacks against military columns.

Similarly, the military reported finding defensive positions in Yazagyo Village where bunkers made of sandbags and tires had been built inside civilian homes and firing pits had been dug for use as temporary military positions.

The statement added that security operations will continue at an accelerated pace with the aim of fully reopening the Kalay–Tamu road and eliminating insurgent threats, so that local residents can return to living and conducting their livelihoods in peace and security.