Intense fighting between resistance forces and the Myanmar military junta on the Tanintharyi-Mawtaung road has halted cargo truck movement, leading to severe food and supply shortages in approximately 10 nearby villages.

The conflict escalated beginning November 15, following the resistance forces’ capture of the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mawtaung. The military junta is currently reinforcing its troops and launching offensives around Tha Byu Village on the same road section in an attempt to retake the town.

Local residents report that the disruption of cargo trucks due to the clashes has caused food and supplies to deplete in about ten villages.

While residents initially sustained themselves by purchasing rice from local general stores and rice mills, the shortage has now spanned nearly a month, significantly raising fears of severe food scarcity.

“Since it’s the harvest season, we can still buy rice from those who have finished harvesting,” one local resident explained. “But now, we are reaching a situation where even if we have money, there are no stores left to buy food from.”

The most severe shortages are impacting Tha Byu Village, Ward No. 9, Ward No. 8, and their surrounding areas. According to locals, only a few general stores remain operational near Mawtaung Town and Ward No. 3.

General store owners noted that before Mawtaung was seized, they relied on transporting goods via Myeik and acquiring supplies from Thabawleik Village.

Another Mawtaung resident warned that residents face increased long-term hardship, stating that only a few stores that avoided being looted upon re-entry to the town are selling limited supplies. “For those whose homes were broken into, buying food is difficult. Since Thailand also doesn’t allow trade, there’s a risk of starvation if this continues for too long.”

According to aid groups, there are currently over 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the ten villages near Mawtaung.