Junta launches major offensive to retake Tagaung

By Admin 14 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 February 2026, Tagaung, Mandalay Region

The military regime has launched a large-scale offensive to retake Tagaung in Mandalay Region, a town currently under the control of the National Unity Government (NUG), according to military sources.

Since early February, a junta column has been advancing from the No. 13 Advanced Military Training School (ATM-13) based in Twinnge Village, Thabeikkyin Township.

An NUG military source told DMG that some revolutionary outposts have already been lost during the fighting.

“Junta troops had been consolidating forces at ATM-13 for some time. After they retook Mogok, they shifted their focus to Tagaung. They are advancing along the Shar Taw–Min Kone Road and have seized several outposts in those areas,” the source said.

People’s Defence Force (PDF) battalions under the NUG, along with Mandalay District units and local defence teams, are resisting the advance in an effort to prevent Tagaung from falling. However, reports indicate that administrative bodies in the town have begun relocating.

Military analysts said the junta’s rapid advance in the Tagaung offensive has been supported by accurate ground intelligence and superior drone capabilities.

“The military regime appears to have precise ground intelligence for this offensive. They use drones for reconnaissance and airstrikes before ground troops follow up from about five miles behind. It is clear they are attempting to eliminate PDF presence across Mandalay Region,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

Following the recapture of Momeik and Mogok from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the regime has intensified operations to reclaim towns held by revolutionary forces in Mandalay Region.

To date, the NUG has lost control of Madaya, Singu and Thabeikkyin townships to the regime. Local residents reported that junta forces in those areas are arresting individuals linked to the NUG administration and sealing off their homes.

While the military council is attempting to turn Mandalay Region into a “PDF-free zone,” military observers say such efforts are unlikely to succeed given strong revolutionary sentiment in the region, predicting that guerrilla resistance will persist.