28 April 2026 — The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), has deployed more than 200 troops to Kan Gyi village in Saw township, Magway Region, near Mindat town in southern Chin State, raising security concerns and disrupting key transport routes, according to local sources.
The deployment began on 25 April, when around 80 troops from Light Infantry Battalion 368, based in Kyaukhtu, entered the Kan Gyi village junction. Later that night, more than 100 additional troops arrived, bringing the total force to over 200.
Kan Gyi village, located about 10 miles from Mindat, sits along a strategic route linking Chin, Rakhine, and Magway regions. Residents said the troop movement appears aimed at controlling key trade and transport corridors.
Troops have taken positions at key points, including road junctions, bridges, and near a local school, and are reportedly preparing to establish a permanent checkpoint and base. Military patrols have increased, and gunfire was reported as troops moved into position near the village water facility and surrounding areas.
During the operation, some civilians were detained. One woman was released on 26 April, while the whereabouts of a detained man remain unknown. Residents said some villagers are unable to leave and remain trapped due to the military presence.
Kan Gyi serves as a critical transit point for goods moving between central Myanmar and southern Chin State, as well as onward to Paletwa and Rakhine States. Local sources warned that increased military control could disrupt trade and affect the flow of essential goods.
Resistance groups have urged civilians to avoid travelling along the Saw–Kyaukhtu–Mindat roads due to ongoing military activity and security risks. Nearby communities have also been advised to remain alert and take precautions.
The situation remains volatile, with growing concerns over civilian safety and the impact on local livelihoods and regional trade. – Reporting by Ben
