Conflict escalates across Myanmar as junta pushes toward unstable second phase of elections
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
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Myanmar News, News
Conflict escalates across Myanmar as junta pushes toward unstable second phase of elections
January 7, 2026
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Myanmar’s military junta is preparing to conduct the second phase of its general election on 11 January 2026, across 100 designated townships, despite widespread reports that active conflict makes voting impossible in many areas.
Intense clashes and heavy airstrikes are currently ravaging townships slated for the upcoming polls, including Hpapun in Karen State, where the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) maintains control of the main town, and Budalin in Sagaing, which remains surrounded by resistance forces.
A resident of Bilin in Mon State said security forces have significantly increased their presence, noting that military personnel who previously avoided leaving police stations are now conducting nighttime motorbike patrols in villages and vehicle patrols throughout the town.
“They will do whatever they want. It would be strange if we don’t hear the sound of artillery. They are firing every day,” the resident said. He added that tensions between the junta and revolutionary forces remain high.
Hpapun Township in Karen State comprises two towns, Hpapun and Kamamaung. Hpapun has been under the control of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) since late March 2024, and clashes are ongoing between the junta’s Tactical Operation Command 1, nearby junta infantry battalions, and revolutionary forces in the area.
The fiercest fighting is currently taking place more than a mile from Hpapun town and approximately 49 miles from Kamamaung town. On the night of 1 January, the junta carried out airstrikes on a school and a building sheltering displaced civilians near the Hpapun strategic base.
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