Junta troops mass ahead of planned re-entry to Mogok, Momeik

26 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

26 November 2025, Mogok, Mandalay Region

Junta soldiers are reportedly massing in large numbers ahead of a planned re-entry into Momeik in northern Shan State and Mogok in Mandalay Region.

A resistance fighter familiar with the situation in Mogok said around 500 junta soldiers under No. 18 Military Operations Command (MOC-18) are waiting at Fawtaw Junction near Thabeikkyin Township in Mandalay Region and along the Mogok–Monglone road.

“Hundreds of junta soldiers are waiting at Fawtaw Junction near Thabeikkyin Township and on the Mogok–Monglone road. Junta troops will reportedly take positions in Mogok,” the resistance fighter said.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) agreed to return Mogok and Momeik to the military regime after reaching a ceasefire with the junta.

Sources close to the TNLA say the handover of Mogok and Momeik has been delayed due to the involvement of local resistance forces that fought alongside the TNLA in battles for control of the two towns.

Representatives from both sides met in Lashio on November 12 to discuss the TNLA’s withdrawal from Mogok and Momeik and the return of junta troops.

The TNLA has been attempting to explain to resistance forces in various ways that those groups, which participated in the battles for Mogok and Momeik, were not included in talks with the military regime, and resistance fighters are currently withdrawing.

Sources close to the developments said junta troops are scheduled to redeploy to Mogok and Momeik from November 28.

“As far as I know, the Myanmar military will re-enter Mogok and Momeik in the next two days. It is certain that the military is approaching Monglone. The junta troops that will redeploy in Mogok are led by No. 18 Military Operations Command, a junta tactical commanding officer. The troops, between 400 and 500 strong, are waiting to re-enter Mogok. If the TNLA says they can enter, the junta will move in. I think the earliest they can re-enter Mogok is November 28,” said Captain Zin Yaw, a participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Residents say the TNLA has reinforced its forces near Monglone and Momeik to facilitate access for junta troops, and that TNLA-appointed administrative members and police officers have withdrawn from both towns.

On November 6, Mogok residents protested against the TNLA’s plan to hand over Mogok to the military regime.

Some locals also said they feared being arrested and tortured by the regime.

Due to Chinese pressure, the TNLA was forced to cede Nawngkio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw to the military regime and agreed to hand over Mogok and Momeik, leading to criticism from revolutionary forces over China’s interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs.