Military tensions escalate in Saw as junta troops deploy across town

By Admin 15 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

15 May 2026, Saw, Magway Region

Residents of Saw are fleeing their homes as regime forces have taken up positions across the town, leading to heightened military tensions with resistance groups.

A 300-strong junta contingent is currently stationed at schools, monasteries, pagodas, the fire department office, and various entry and exit points of the town.

Locals reported that they are fleeing because junta soldiers are arresting civilians and forcibly entering private homes.

"At present, all villages along the Saw-Kyaukhtu-Pakokku road are displaced. Many people from Saw town itself have also had to flee. The number of displaced persons is likely high, but since it involves many villages along the route, I don't know the exact count," said a male resident of Saw.

The regime forces reportedly detained and interrogated Saw residents yesterday. While some were released this morning, locals said the exact number of those arrested or released remains unconfirmed.

Clashes occurred yesterday evening between resistance forces and a junta column stationed on the pagoda hill in Saw.

"Many young people from the town have fled. Some elderly people and children remain. We moved to a safe area, but I am worried about my family members left at home. Since the fighting and gunfire last night, we have been living in fear," another male resident from Saw explained.

The regime forces have also deployed advance columns to Akyi Katin and Anyar Katin villages near Saw.

Yaw Alinn Tan, a local news outlet, has urged residents to avoid traveling to areas where they might encounter junta troops and to relocate to safer places due to the ongoing military tensions.

A junta troop of over 500 soldiers from the Junta’s weapons factory No. 25 in Laungshae Town entered Taung Boh Gyi Village on May 12, Theegon Village on May 13, and arrived in Saw on May 14.

"The military establishing a base in Saw poses a danger to both Chin and Arakan states. Militarily, it allows them to threaten Mindat and Kanpetlet, while also blocking economic and trade routes. Therefore, I see the Saw region as a very important geopolitical key," analyzed a young Arakanese man monitoring military affairs.

Military observers suggest that the regime’s objective in basing itself in Saw may be to launch an offensive into the Mindat region of southern Chin State.

Others suggest the regime may be attempting to blockade Arakan State, as Saw is a vital route for trade between the southern Chin State and Arakan State.

In late April, the military also took control of and stationed troops in Kangyi Village, located at the Mindat-Kyaukhtu junction, 19 miles from Saw and 12 miles from Mindat.