Myanmar junta evacuates military families from strategic Bago defence factory amid advancing AA offensive

Mizzima

Military families from the junta-operated Defence Equipment Factory 16 (Ka Pa Sa 16) in Padaung Township, western Bago Region, have been urgently relocated to the Southern Regional Command headquarters, according to local residents.

Between 14 May and 17 May, the junta relocated the wives, children and elderly family members of soldiers from Ka Pa Sa 16 to the Southern Regional Command headquarters in Taungoo, a Padaung resident familiar with the situation told Mizzima.

“The fighting is drawing closer to Ka Pa Sa 16, and the situation has become critical. The authorities are rushing to evacuate family members to the Southern Regional Command where they are expected to be safer. Not only the families, but also government department employees in Padaung are increasingly worried,” a local resident said.

The relocation operation is reportedly being overseen by a captain from Ka Pa Sa 16 in coordination with officers from Light Infantry Division 77 (LID 77), while newly recruited conscripts from Military Operations Command 7 have been deployed to strengthen security around the base and serve as reinforcement troops.

A Padaung resident described the situation in the town, saying junta troops have been unable to counter the AA’s military tactics and ground offensives effectively.

“Residents have noticed families from the Ka Pa Sa moving around, and the sound of artillery fire can also be heard. As a result, both government staff and local civilians are anxiously watching and waiting to see what happens next,” he said.

As Ka Pa Sa 16 is considered a strategically important military facility, the junta has intensified airstrikes and deployed ground reinforcements in an effort to repel the AA offensive.

Local residents say the AA’s military operations and offensive in Padaung Township, western Bago Region, bordering Rakhine State, have intensified significantly, leaving the security situation in the area extremely tense.