Thu Jul 24 18:15:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Myanmar’s junta has announced the recapture of the gold mining town of Thabeikkyin after a year-long battle with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed organizations. This victory, coupled with the recent recapture of Nawnghkio, places the junta in control of two flanks of Mogok, a vital ruby mining center. The fighting has caused widespread displacement and suffering among the civilian population, with many seeking shelter in forests and monasteries. The junta’s advancements are attributed to support from China and Russia, and this win follows a counteroffensive against anti-coup forces who initially seized Thabeikkyin last year. Mines rich in precious metals and gems are central to the conflict, providing funding for all sides of Myanmar’s civil war, which has displaced millions and plunged a significant portion of the population into poverty.
**News Article:**
**Myanmar Junta Claims Recapture of Key Gold Mining Town, Intensifying Civil War**
**Yangon, Myanmar – July 24, 2025 -** Myanmar’s military junta announced Thursday that it has regained control of Thabeikkyin, a strategically important gold mining town, after a year-long struggle with pro-democracy resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations. The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s recapture of Nawnghkio, solidifying the junta’s position and placing two flanks of Mogok, the renowned ruby mining hub, under their control.
The ongoing civil war, sparked by the 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government, has been marked by intense fighting between the junta and various armed factions. Thabeikkyin, located near Mandalay, holds significant economic value due to its gold mining industry along the Irrawaddy River.
According to state media, the junta’s forces, backed by China and Russia, launched a successful counteroffensive after anti-coup forces initially seized the town last August. However, the fighting has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. Residents report widespread displacement, with many seeking refuge in forests and religious institutions, lacking food and safe shelter.
“People have nothing to eat and no place to flee to,” said Ye Dinn, a resident of Thabeikkyin. “We are all looking for a safe place, but people have no idea where they should go and hide.”
Control over mining regions, rich in precious metals, gemstones, and rare earth elements, has become a crucial factor in the conflict, providing a vital source of revenue for all warring factions.
The United Nations estimates that over 3.5 million people have been displaced by the conflict, and more than half of Myanmar’s 50 million citizens now live in poverty, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of the ongoing civil war.
First Piper 