Myanmar military tightens security in Tanintharyi Region capital

By DMG 09 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
9 September 2022, Dawei, Tanintharyi Region

The Myanmar military has restricted travel and transportation of goods at the entry and exit of Dawei, Tanintharyi Region since September 7 due to fierce clashes between the regime forces and resistance groups, according to residents.

The military tightened security checks at the checkpoints in Dawei after fierce fighting between the junta troops and Brigade 4 of Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), the military branch of Karen National Union (KNU), which has been ongoing in Ashae Tawnal village since September 7, said a resident of Dawei.

“Fighting has been ongoing since September 7 and residents are not allowed to go outside Dawei. The military tightened security checks on people and commodities coming to Dawei,” the resident added.

Truck drivers said they face difficulties as they are allowed to transport food and commodities into Dawei only if they have a recommendation letter signed by concerned officials.

“The junta soldiers told us that we will be allowed to transport food including rice into Dawei only if we can show the recommendation letter. Some truck drivers who don’t have the recommendation letters are forced to return and some are arrested,” one truck driver said.

The military set up temporary checkpoints in some villages and at bridges along Ashaw road and tightened security checks on locals, residents said.

“The military has set up a security checkpoint in the village and tightened security checks in recent days. Sometimes, junta soldiers in military trucks are patrolling along the road,” a resident of Thabyar Ywahteik village said.

The military has imposed travel restrictions in downtown Dawei as clashes between the regime troops and resistance forces are often reported in Ashae Tawnal village.