Clashes escalate near Point 666 hilltop camp in Padaung

By Admin 08 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

8 January 2026, Padaung, Bago Region

Clashes have intensified in recent days near the Point 666 hilltop camp in Padaung Township, Bago Region, which is under siege by an Arakan Army (AA)-led coalition. The military regime is reportedly suffering heavy losses.

On January 4, Colonel Han Lin Aung, commander of Military Operations Command 10, and two officers were intercepted by AA commandos while resupplying troops from the military's Weapons Factory No. 16. Several junta soldiers, including Col Han Lin Aung, were reportedly killed in the incident.

"We had heard for a long time that a junta commander was trapped in the Nyaungkyoe area. Now that photos have emerged, we know the trapped person is Col Han Lin Aung, commander of Military Operations Command 10. He had moved from Kawthaung. About 20 soldiers, including two other officers, were killed," Captain Zin Yaw, a Civil Disobedience Movement participant, told DMG.

Captain Zin Yaw said the military regime is making concerted efforts to defend the Point 666 hilltop camp, which serves as a strategic staging post providing access to the Arakan mountain range linking Bago Region and Arakan State.

According to military sources, Col Han Lin Aung was from Defence Services Academy Intake No. 43 and was the first division commander among his cohort.

The Arakan Army and allied forces have surrounded the Point 666 hilltop camp, while the military regime has been attempting to reinforce it with troops and supplies since December.

"Junta troops trapped at Point 666 are running out of food and water and are relying on airdropped supplies. However, many of these supplies have failed to reach the camp directly, forcing attempts at ground delivery. Each time they try, they are repelled by the Arakan Army and forced to retreat," a source familiar with the fighting in Padaung told DMG.

In December, a junta column led by Major Wai Yan Lin, which was attempting to reinforce the Point 666 hilltop camp, was attacked by AA and allied forces. Major Wai Yan Lin was killed in the fighting. He had previously been awarded the title of Thiha Thura by the military regime.

The Arakan Army and allied forces briefly captured the Point 666 hilltop camp in October but were later forced to withdraw after the military regime launched a major counteroffensive.

Military observers believe fighting in the area could further intensify, as the military regime operates four weapons manufacturing factories in Padaung Township and is reinforcing the area to prevent their loss.