Thousands Flee Intense Fighting on Old Yangon–Mandalay Road in Bago

More than 10,000 people have been displaced by ongoing clashes around Penwegon town along the old Yangon–Mandalay Road in eastern Bago Region, witnesses estimate.

People from at least 20 surrounding villages have fled junta raids and daily artillery strikes since resistance groups launched an offensive in early January to coincide with the junta-organized election.

Some 200 junta troops are currently trying to retake a resistance‑held village about 6 km from Penwegon, residents said.