Fighting escalates in central Myanmar ahead of junta-organized election

By Admin 26 Dec 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 December 2025, Mrauk-U

As the junta-organized election approaches, attacks by revolutionary forces in central Myanmar have increased.

According to statements from resistance groups, in addition to intercepting and attacking military bases and supply routes of Myanmar’s military regime, drone strikes and joint operations have intensified.

“The revolutionary forces may attack from Myanmar’s heartland and lower Ayeyarwady Region. I think it’s because the alliances are getting stronger. We are conducting operations in Magway Region,” said a People’s Defence Force (PDF) member based in Magway.

The Student’s Armed Force (SAF) announced on December 24 that seven Spring Revolution groups, including the SAF, have been attacking and intercepting a junta column leaving the military’s Weapons Factory No. 24 in Pauk Township, Magway Region, since December 9.

On December 16, eight anti-regime groups jointly attacked junta troops in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, killing at least 12 soldiers and wounding about 40 others, according to an SAF statement.

Local PDF forces said revolutionary groups in Magway Region are jointly attacking junta camps in Seikphyu, Chauk, Salay, Salin, Hsinbyukyun and Pwintbyu townships.

The Salin Township People’s Defence Force said on December 26 that fighting is currently intense and claimed that Hsinbyukyun town will be fully captured.

Military sources said clashes have also intensified in Mogok, Mandalay Region, where Spring Revolution forces led by the National Unity Government are carrying out joint attacks.

A military analyst said joint operations by resistance forces in Sagaing, Magway, Bago and Mandalay regions are escalating, creating uncertainty over where the military regime plans to hold elections.

“Recently, there have been sporadic clashes in central Myanmar. This shows that alliances are strengthening to prevent the junta-organised election from succeeding. It is unclear which areas will be able to hold the junta-sponsored election. For example, it could be like Bhamo,” said a Myanmar national studying political science in Thailand.

The Spring Revolution Alliance (SRA) was formed by 19 groups, including the SAF and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), to launch coordinated attacks against the military regime.

Military analysts believe fighting could further intensify in the post-election period as the regime uses excessive force to suppress resistance groups.