Myeik District, Palaw Township was declared martial law by the SAC on February 2, 2023, but the People’s Defense Force and joint allied forces have gained dominance and control over most of the areas in Palaw Township, according to the official of Myeik District, No. 1 Battalion.
At present, the SAC has only three places on the towns, namely Palaw, Pala, and Palauk, and the People’s Defense Force – PDF and alliances have gained territorial dominance in Palaw Township, so they are ready for a military battle at any time.
“The weapons and munitions needed for the battle are being installed by the National Unity Government, the Ministry of Defense, and joint allies, and there are also weapons purchased by the comrades themselves by selling their own houses, farms, and land, and the public is constantly donating to the People’s Defense Force,” said Myeik District, Battalion – 1.
It is reported that the People’s Defense Force PDF and allied forces have mainly controlled the eastern side of the Dawei-Myeik Main Road, and are currently deployed side of the sea villages.
Sayar San, the information officer of Myeik District Battalion – 1, said, “Currently, the battle between the terrorist SAC troops and the Joint Forces of the People’s Defense Force in Palaw Township is calm, but the SAC is increasing its preparations and has prepared weapons that can fire up to 3 miles, so there may be bigger battles soon.”
On February 2, 2023, after martial law was declared, SAC soldiers marched to attack Toe village, Mya Daung village, Htamin Masar village, Kade village, Kabyar village, Min Htein village, and Pawut Oyar village, where civilians live in Palaw township. Clashes broke out between the SAC troops and the People’s Defense Army, the 1st Battalion of Myeik District, joint allies, and during the 3-month period when martial law was declared, at least 60 soldiers, including officers, were killed and at least 50 were injured.
About five comrades from the People’s Defense Force – PDF and joint allies were lost and at least 20 others were seriously injured in these clashes. As a result of the military council’s attack, at least 195 local houses, two cars, and 5 motorcycles were damaged, and nearly 800 local people were displaced by war.