Terrorism supporters of KNU, NMSP AD (Mon breakaway group) and PDF terrorists who took positions in Kawbein, Dhammathat and surrounding villages crushed, ongoing mine clearing operations and rehabilitation carried out
Nay Pyi Taw April 26
Beginning 24 March, a large number of terrorism supporters of KNU, NMSP AD (Mon breakaway group) and PDF terrorists attacked departmental buildings, police stations and committed terrorist acts in Kawbein Village, Kawkareik Township, Kayin State, and Dhammathat Village in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, and their surrounding Villages. Local security forces and police members of police stations gathered strength and defended the places. But they had to temporarily leave Kawbein village on 25 March and Dhammathat Village on 27 March and regrouped at Tayana Village.
Due to the terrorist acts of the terrorist groups, local villagers had to flee their homes with apprehension. In order to enable them to return home, Tatmadaw columns launched Counterterrorism Operations in the surrounding areas of Kawbein, Dhammathat and surrounding villages on 11 April gaining group stage by stage. The columns engaged with terrorists seven times and seized some enemy bodies and arms, ammunition and accessories. Some soldiers were wounded, but the columns were able to recontrol Dhammathat Village on 22 April and Kawbein Village on 25 April. During their occupation of the Kawbein and Dhammathat villages and surrounding ones, the terrorists took cover in religious buildings, schools, departmental buildings and homes and fired at Tatmadaw columns. They also plant mines around the public roads between monasteries and homes, using local people as human shield in the battles. But the security forces responded in accord with rules of engagement (ROE).
As the security forces advanced and crushed the enemy in systematic group formations, terrorists had to flee in disarray. But the terrorists torched or blew up homes, departmental buildings and police stations along their retreating route.
Due to the terrorist acts of terrorism supporters of KNU, NMSP AD (Mon breakaway group) and PDF terrorists, many buildings in the area were destroyed. Security forces conducted mine clearing operations area wise and road wise for the safety of locals.
Mon State and Kayin State governments are preparing to conduct rehabilitation tasks together with the locals in Kawbein, Dhammathat and surrounding villages for ensuring homes for the displaced persons soonest. As peace stability has returned to the villages locals are returning to their homes.