Myanmar junta launches major offensive to retake strategic border town of Maw Taung

Mizzima

Residents of Maw Taung, a border town in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region, and nearby villages are fleeing renewed clashes and airstrikes, triggering an urgent humanitarian crisis as displaced civilians struggle in need of assistance.

Heavy fighting has erupted near the entrance to Maw Taung since early May, as Myanmar junta forces launched a three-pronged offensive along at least two routes in an attempt to retake the town from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

The advancing military columns have now reached areas near No. 9 village and Phaung Seik (No. 11) village, while the junta has reportedly intensified its operations with daily airstrikes alongside the ground offensive.

On the evening of 14 May, Myanmar military forces carried out an airstrike on No. 3 village near Maw Taung town, with two aircraft reportedly involved in the attack.

Escalating clashes and military airstrikes have forced residents of Maw Taung and surrounding villages to flee toward the Thai-Myanmar border and nearby forests, leaving many displaced civilians in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to a refugee aid worker.

“People are now scattered in small groups across different areas after being displaced from their homes. As far as we can confirm, there are thousands in need of help,” a relief worker said. “The most urgent need is food, especially rice. They also require medicine and shelter, particularly as the rainy season begins.”

Combined resistance forces led by the KNLA seized Maw Taung on 14 November 2025. The town, which hosts a strategically important Thai-Myanmar border trade hub, has since become the target of a major junta offensive involving both ground troops and aircraft in an effort to regain control.

Maw Taung was once the headquarters of KNLA Brigade 4 of the Karen National Union (KNU) in the Myeik-Dawei District before it was seized by Myanmar’s military regime during an offensive in 1990.