Myanmar Military Deploys Troops to Clear Land for Russia-Backed Dawei Port Project
Hundreds of soldiers have advanced into the Tanintharyi Region, burning villages and forcing resistance groups back as the junta seeks to revive the long-stalled special economic zone.
Yangon1 min read
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Myanmar’s military has deployed hundreds of troops around the proposed Dawei Special Economic Zone in the southern Tanintharyi Region, according to resistance fighters and a local activist.
The operation aims to clear land for a Russia-backed deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea. Sources say soldiers have burned villages, sealed off surrounding areas and pushed local resistance groups into retreat since July.
Saw Dah Ko of the Tanintharyi Region People’s Defence Force told reporters that military columns are conducting area-clearance operations and that some homes have been destroyed. A second resistance source said troops burned houses in at least three villages and killed three aid workers assisting displaced residents.
Conflict monitor ACLED reported that a column of approximately 700 soldiers advanced into the relevant areas after the deputy commander-in-chief visited southern Myanmar and called for protection of strategic projects. The offensive has been supported by air and naval assets.
The Dawei SEZ was first launched in 2008 as a Myanmar-Thailand joint venture but stalled in 2013 amid financing problems and local opposition. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has recently promoted the project as a trade gateway that could cut transit times by four to six days compared with the Strait of Malacca.
During talks in Moscow this month, Min Aung Hlaing discussed the zone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russian companies intend to participate in its development.
Local communities have long opposed the project over land seizures, environmental concerns and the risk of further militarization. The current offensive has displaced residents from multiple villages.
The push coincides with the military’s broader effort to consolidate control over key economic corridors while facing nationwide resistance. Whether Russian financing materializes and whether the zone can be built under current security conditions remain open questions.
