The Tatmadaw has intensified a major ground and air offensive in Myaing Township, Magway Region, in order to regain control of oil-producing areas that have been held by resistance forces since 2024. The latest advance has brought regime troops into the Kyauk Khwet oil field, one of the most important oil-producing areas in Myaing. This is a significant escalation in the military campaign across the Myaing-Pauk oil belt, where control of oil production has both economic and strategic importance for the opposing sides.
By August 14, regime troops had reached the Well 2 area of the Kyauk Khwet field near Kyauk Khwet village, after advancing through Yar Gyi Pyin and surrounding villages. The advance was supported by repeated air operations across the wider Myaing-Pauk operational zone. The Irrawaddy reported the use of gyrocopters, Y-12 aircraft and Mi-35 helicopters operating from Nyaung-U Air Base.
Resistance forces reportedly withdrew from some positions under aerial pressure, while attempting to slow the ground advance with landmines and defensive attacks. The clashes were still taking place around Well 2 on August 18, while local resistance sources said the troops “are bogged down around there due to landmines and fighting, unable to advance further. They haven’t completely taken control. The clashes are ongoing.”
Such offensives across Myaing and neighboring Pauk Township have been operating since late June 2026. Forces from Light Infantry Divisions 101 and 99 began a major ground operation on June 23–24, moving through villages in the Myaing-Pauk area toward resistance-held territory. This caused at least 38 civilian deaths, 15 injuries, and the burning of around 370 homes. Reports documented military raids in at least 27 villages between June 23 and August 2, with extensive use of airstrikes and artillery during the operation. Approximately 1,000 regime troops were involved across the wider operational area.
Kyauk Khwet is a significant area because of its oil production and the revenue generated by the wider oil fields in the area. Historical production data from 2014 recorded approximately 28 barrels per day (bpd) at Kyauk Khwet and 1,022 bpd at the nearby Letpanto field. Control over these areas therefore provides an important source of local revenue for whichever actor controls them. Resistance forces took control of the area in March 2024 after military abandoned their position there amid attacks on their supply lines. Losing the field weakened Tatmadaw control over oil-producing areas in central Magway.
The field was previously operated through the Tatmadaw-controlled Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and includes the former MOGE Well 1 and Well 2 blocks, alongside newer areas where small-scale commercial production has developed. At the national level, MOGE has also been a major source of foreign-currency revenue for the regime. The U.S. Treasury has stated that revenue from MOGE provides key financial support to the Tatmadaw, helping it obtain weapons and military equipment. As a result, MOGE has faced sanctions and restrictions from the United States, the European Union, and Switzerland.
Military advancing toward the Kyauk Khwet oil field are facing multiple resistance groups operating in the wider Myaing-Pauk oil-field area, including the Anyar Tamar coalition, Magway People’s Defense Force (Magway PDF), Myaing People’s Defense Force (Myaing PDF), Anyar Land Defence Force (ALDF), and Earthquake People’s Defence Force (Earthquake PDF). Magway PDF personnel have participated in an Anyar Tamar operation, while Myaing PDF and ALDF are active across the wider Myaing area. Earthquake PDF personnel have also been seen at a security station within the Kyauk Khwet oil field, indicating that these groups operate as part of a coordinated resistance network rather than a single organization.
The offensive has moved beyond Kyauk Khwet and resistance forces continue to challenge the advance. The Anyar Tamar resistance coalition claimed on August 15 that its forces fought with Tatmadaw soldiers in minimum 30 clashes, causing at least 50 military deaths and numerous injuries. They also claimed to have captured weapons and ammunition, with four Tatmadaw soldiers defecting to the resistance.
The contest for the Myaing-Pauk oil belt shows the growing strategic importance of controlling local economic resources alongside territory. The Tatmadaw’s offensives intend to weaken resistance finances while reclaiming access to valuable oil producing zones. However, despite air support and the deployment of major military units, Tatmadaw has not yet secured the Kyauk Khwet field. Resistance groups continue to coordinate their defenses, making it difficult for the military to consolidate control. Ongoing clashes suggest that the Myaing-Pauk oil belt is likely to remain a contested area, with continued military pressure, resistance attacks, and risks to local civilians.
Verification Note: The information in this report has been compiled from multiple credible sources and cross-checked for consistency. Data and reports have been used to corroborate events where possible. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, access limitations may prevent independent verification of all details. Map created using Google My Maps.
Afiya Ibnath Ayshi is a Security and Strategic Reporting Fellow at Bangladesh Defence Journal. She covers defence, foreign affairs, and humanitarian issues, focusing on how regional and global developments influence Bangladesh’s security and diplomacy. A graduate in English from the University of Dhaka, she brings a research-based and balanced approach to her work.
