With widespread military reviews indicating that fighting may erupt in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar's renowned mountain resort town and the site of the junta army's military academies, civil servants serving the junta, their relatives, and local residents are fleeing. Following the capture of the Northeastern Regional Military Command headquarters in Lashio, northern Shan State, by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and its allies on August 3, the military junta is fortifying Pyin Oo Lwin as a defensive stronghold. Long lines of vehicles are seen departing Pyin Oo Lwin, heading towards Mandalay, Myanmar's famous royal capital.
Situated 41 miles from Mandalay and being a luxurious town, Pyin Oo Lwin is home to some of Myanmar's wealthiest tycoons, renowned artists, and generals who have gained their riches through state corruption.
The potential threat of revolutionary forces attacking Pyin Oo Lwin with three columns, each thousands strong, from northern Shan State, as instigated by pro-junta groups, has caused widespread panic, prompting evacuations as far as Yangon.
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has taken control of Nawnghkio (Naungcho), a town bordering Pyin Oo Lwin, while the Mandalay People's Defence Force (MDY PDF) has seized Singu town and over 35 military bases in the region. The junta's army has bolstered its presence in Pyin Oo Lwin and is taking defensive measures, including constructing guard positions in nearby villages and deploying many Pyu Saw Htee militias to provide security in the forests. Local residents report that mines are being planted around the Defence Service Academy (DSA).
The MDY PDF and its allies have advanced to Wet Wun village, approximately 10 miles from Pyin Oo Lwin. The National Unity Government (NUG)'s Ministry of Defence has announced plans to penetrate Mandalay as part of the Shan-Mann Operation, a joint effort between Shan State and the Mandalay Region that is being conducted alongside phase 2 of Operation 1027.
It is reported that not only residents of Pyin Oo Lwin but also locals from around Mandalay are fleeing to Yangon to escape the conflict.
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