Fear and Displacement as Junta Troops Use MCL Cement Factory as Base for Drone and Artillery Attacks in Kyaikmayaw Township

November 6, 2025

HURFOM: Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State: Junta troops stationed near the MCL Cement Factory close to Kadonsi Village are tightening security, searching homes, and firing artillery and drones toward areas where resistance forces may be present, forcing villagers to flee, according to HURFOM field sources.

Local residents said that on 3 and 5 November, around 200 soldiers remained inside the MCL Cement Factory compound and conducted operations in nearby villages including Kadonsi, Shwe Wah Chaung, and Pauk Taw. Troops also set up along the Kadonsi, Kaw Don and Kadonsi –Wa Pyan Kone roads, stopping people, checking vehicles and motorcycles, and entering homes they considered “suspicious.”

“The soldiers are inspecting intensively. Some villagers ran away before they arrived, in one village more than ten households have already left. There have been no arrests yet, but people are afraid fighting could break out at any time,” a woman from Kyaikmayaw told HURFOM.

Because soldiers are checking household lists and going door to door, many young men in the area have gone into hiding, fearing arrest or forced recruitment.
Drones and artillery fired from the factory area
Residents said the junta column has been using the MCL factory area as a base since 26 October, moving through Tarana, Shwe Wah Chaung and Kadon Si before setting up there. From these positions, troops have been frequently firing artillery and launching drones toward places they believe resistance fighters may be located.

A villager from Kyaikmayaw explained:
“In the past few days, the military has been firing drones. Sometimes they shoot artillery 12 or 13 times in one round. They are aiming at places where they think resistance groups are. Even if people are not hit, the shells are landing close to houses. People are scared, so they are moving to safer places.”

Because shells and drone munitions are landing near homes and the village edge, some families from Kadon Si and nearby areas have moved in with relatives in other villages, and some have gone toward Mawlamyine for safety.

Another local said:
“The military commission (junta troops) is based near the cement factory. From there they use drones and heavy weapons and fire toward the village side. The explosions fall near houses. So people are frightened and running. Some can’t leave, so they stay but are very worried.”
Looting during “security” operations

While carrying out these so-called inspections, at least 50 Junta troops also looted Thai consumer goods that villagers had stored in homes in Kadon Si. On 30 October, soldiers loaded the seized goods onto six trucks and transported them toward Kyaikmayaw town, according to residents. Locals described it as extortion carried out under the cover of security checks.

Former resistance area now under troop pressure
Earlier in 2024, this area was under the control or influence of joint KNLA resistance forces, locals said. When the Junta column advanced on 26 October, no clashes were reported around the MCL factory itself, but since then the military has used its position to tighten control, search civilians, and fire into the surrounding area.
With inspections, road checks, drones overhead, and artillery falling near homes, people in Kyaikmayaw say daily life has become tense and unpredictable.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News