CNI News

19 September 2025

The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) will not launch large-scale military operations targeting any specific area or group during the pre-election period but will instead focus mainly on ensuring election security, said Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), in an interview with CNI News.

He explained that although the Tatmadaw is still conducting heavy offensives in some areas, including central Myanmar, these appear to be part of efforts to secure constituencies where the first phase of elections will take place in 102 townships.

“Before the elections, the battlefront will likely be narrowed as much as possible, and secure pocket areas will be created for holding the elections. What we are seeing now is more like building defensive fences around those areas to prevent disturbances during the elections. It doesn’t look like a campaign to completely annihilate any particular group. Since elections will be held in over 100 constituencies, the main focus seems to be securing those areas—recapturing and protecting them for the elections.”, said Colonel Khun Okkar.

A People’s Defense Force unit

Currently, the Tatmadaw has regained control of certain territories it had previously lost, including Naungcho, Thabeikkyin, Madaya, Singu, the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy Asian Highway corridor, and several command bases, neighborhoods, villages, and outposts around Bhamo in Kachin State.

In addition, heavy clashes have recently broken out between the Tatmadaw and joint PDF forces in northern parts of Mandalay Region and central Myanmar.

According to military developments, central Myanmar may soon become more stable and peaceful, said political analyst Dr. Aung Myo in an interview with CNI News.

Tatmadaw regains control of Bhamo

“We often refer to the ‘Guerilla’ strategy. If successful, it suddenly leaps forward with momentum; if it fails, it suddenly collapses. That’s the reality. In particular, I see that central Myanmar is not far from stabilizing and becoming peaceful again.”, he said.

Military and political observers believe the Tatmadaw is trying to retake as much lost territory as possible before the elections in order to proceed with the voting process. These offensives reportedly involve not only ground troops but also airstrikes.

Therefore, military and political analysts point out that military operations may continue to expand and intensify up until the election period.