A Myanmar military counteroffensive has successfully regained control of the town of Mawlu, Sagaing Region, marking another territorial setback for resistance groups following the military’s recapture of nearby Indaw late last month.
The People’s Defence Force (PDF), operating under the command of the National Unity Government (NUG), confirmed that the military reclaimed Mawlu on Tuesday.
The town had been under resistance control since December 13, 2023, when it was seized by the PDF with support from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF).
A 200-Troop counteroffensive
According to a PDF member who spoke to DVB on the condition of anonymity, the military launched a major counteroffensive consisting of approximately 200 troops on May 2.
While regime forces have re-entered the town, the PDF source noted that fighting remains ongoing in the surrounding areas. The escalating clashes have triggered a new wave of displacement.
A Mawlu resident told DVB that an unknown number of civilians from seven nearby villages have fled their homes since the offensive began, seeking shelter in the forests of neighbouring Kachin State.
A critical logistics corridor
Mawlu, situated roughly 231 miles (371 km) north of the Sagaing Region capital of Monywa, lies right on the border with Kachin State.
A military analyst told DVB on the condition of anonymity that Mawlu town is an “important” logistics hub because it sits directly along the 341-mile highway connecting the Mandalay Region to the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina.
NUG acknowledges “frequent” territorial losses
The loss of Mawlu coincides with a sobering address from NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La.
In a message marking the fifth anniversary of the PDF’s founding on May 5, he publicly acknowledged that the resistance is currently facing mounting political challenges and “frequent” territorial losses. These setbacks extend beyond Sagaing.
In neighboring Mandalay Region, the PDF has lost several areas it initially seized following the 2021 military coup.
Tagaung town, located 131 miles (210 km) north of Mandalay, fell to regime forces on March 12, while the towns of Madaya and Thabeikkyin were previously recaptured by the military in 2025.
Despite these losses, resistance offensives continue elsewhere. A KIA-led operation against regime forces over control of Kachin’s Bhamo and Hpakant townships remains actively ongoing.
