Myanmar junta fortifies capital against escalating resistance offensive

Myanmar’s military junta is reportedly mobilizing approximately 14,000 troops to reinforce Naypyitaw, the modern capital and administrative nerve center, in response to an escalating resistance offensive gaining ground across the country.

Multiple sources, including residents, regime staff, and military whistleblowers, shared details of the junta’s clandestine efforts with The Irrawaddy.

As the ethnic Brotherhood Alliance initiated “Operation 1027” in northern Shan State in late October, seizing towns, outposts, and weaponry, the junta began recalling troops from various regions.

Civil servants in Naypyitaw are reportedly being compelled to serve as a military guard, and household registration inspections have been intensified in the capital.

Sources indicate that around 10,000 combat troops from Mandalay, Bago, and Yangon regions are being relocated to bases in Naypyitaw Union Territory.

Additionally, some 4,000 commandos from these regions are redeploying to Naypyitaw, with new barracks being reinforced to resist potential drone attacks.

Military and police in Naypyitaw are allegedly preparing new permanent and temporary bunkers, while police stations are instructed to transform into defense outposts during emergencies.

The Garrison Engineering Corps is upgrading crucial facilities within Naypyitaw military bases under the orders of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

A leaked Naypyitaw Council document dated November 15 outlines plans to form military reserve units with civil servants and former military personnel.

Each administrative department is instructed to organize two companies, comprising ex-military personnel and individuals trained at the Central Institute of Civil Service, to serve during natural disasters and security emergencies.

Contradictory statements have emerged, with Naypyitaw Council Secretary Tin Maung Swe confirming the plan while Junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun denies any such initiatives.

Meanwhile, residents in Naypyitaw report nighttime raids to inspect household registrations, causing fear and distress among communities. The regime’s alleged strategy of remobilizing troops and their families near Naypyitaw is viewed as a last line of defense for the junta leadership.

In other regions, such as Kachin State, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) claims that junta forces abandoned strategically important bases, and in Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) reports heavy fighting in Pauktaw.

The situation across Myanmar remains volatile, with ongoing clashes, civilian displacement, and allegations of human shields by the military.