Regime recaptures strategic town in northern Shan State

By Admin 16 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

16 July 2025, Nawnghkio, northern Shan State

Myanmar's military regime regained control of Nawnghkio, which was previously controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State, on the morning of July 16, according to local residents.

"The Myanmar military is said to have taken control of Myoma Market, the police station, department offices and many other locations in Nawnghkio. There is no longer any fighting in the town," said a local man.

The military regime's propaganda Telegram channels are also claiming, with photos as purported proof, that Nawnghkio has been completely captured.

"Myanmar military troops have entered and taken up positions in Nawnghkio. There is currently no fighting inside the town. The revolutionary forces are reportedly making military preparations outside the town," another local resident told DMG.

DMG continues to attempt to contact TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo regarding the current situation in Nawnghkio.

The regime launched an offensive to retake Nawnghkio with thousands of troops in May.

Military analysts believe that the junta's full return to control of Nawnghkio could lead to a shift in territorial control and military operations for anti-regime forces.

"The military regime has retaken Nawnghkio and is likely to continue its military offensive against Kyaukme and Hsipaw. It is seen that military aircraft are taking off and landing from Lashio and heavy weapons are registered to fire on Hsipaw," said Zin Yaw, a captain of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

Nawnghkio is located about 40 miles from Kyaukme, over 60 miles from Hsipaw, and about 50 miles from Mogok. Nawnghkio is also on the Mandalay-Lashio-Muse Union highway and is connected to Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kyaukme, and Hsipaw by road and rail.

The military regime and the TNLA met in Kunming last month, mediated by China, but the talks collapsed when the junta demanded the withdrawal of TNLA troops from Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok and Momeik.

Since then, the regime has been conducting its offensive to capture Nawnghkio, as well as daily aerial bombardments of Mogok, Kyaukme and Hsipaw.

The TNLA has reported that more than 50 people, including displaced people and locals, have been killed and injured due to the Myanmar military's artillery attacks and airstrikes.

An anti-regime coalition force led by the TNLA seized control of Nawnghkio in July 2024, with the junta now recapturing it about a year later.

Nawnghkio Township is a militarily and economically strategic gateway connecting Northern and Southern Shan State, as well as Mandalay Region and the Chinese border.