By Ko Paing/MPA
Myanmar’s military junta is reportedly planning to deploy police officers for security and logistical operations in response to potential attacks by the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in the Yangon Region, according to sources.
The contingency plan, disclosed to MPA by a Yangon police source, details the strategic redeployment of the police force. Under this plan, officers would be reassigned to staff checkpoints and manage logistical supply chains if fighting erupts in the Yangon Region.
“Police colonels and senior officers were recently briefed that fighting could escalate in Yangon and Bago Regions this year. If that happens, the military may not have enough manpower. Police will be responsible for guarding checkpoints, handling urban security, and supporting logistical routes. The military seems to be giving us advance notice so we can prepare,” the source told MPA.
The source further indicated that police units from Yangon could be sent to Bago if local forces there become overwhelmed by the conflict.
“In an emergency, police and Pyu Saw Htee militia will be used to replace soldiers in garrison roles,” the source added.
These preparations appear to align with a February 23 video released by the National Unity Government (NUG), in which Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than was seen meeting with People’s Defense Force (PDF) units as they relocated for operations targeting Yangon.
“I think it’s connected to that video,” the police source said. “I can’t say for certain, but we’ve heard that fighting in Yangon and Bago is expected to escalate following its release. The plan to reassign police from their usual duties also came after that video surfaced.”
In the video, Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than explicitly stated that the troop movements were aimed at taking control of parts of Yangon and Bago Regions.
On Feb.25 and 26, the NUG’s Ministry of Defense reported that a joint force of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and PDF successfully attacked and seized seven military checkpoints along the old Yangon-Mandalay road in Kyauktaga and Phyu townships, Bago Region.
