TNLA and MDY-PDF combined terrorists with the support of the NUG, sought to fully capture the Madaya area by establishing a strong foothold at the Alpha Cement Plant and the Phaungtaung mining site. Beginning on 18 July 2025, those terrorists launched a heavy attack on a lightly defended security outpost in Myakantha village in the eastern Madaya area. The outpost conducted a temporary strategic withdrawal on the night of 20 July 2025. On the morning of 21 July, pre-positioned main counterattack units launched a decisive strike with overwhelming force and heavy weapons, reclaiming the position and forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
Starting from 21 July 2025, Tatmadaw launched a full-scale counteroffensive with well-preparedness to completely wipe off terrorists from the Alpha Cement Plant and Phayaungtaung mining site in Madaya region. The counteroffensive was executed along four columns: one column advancing from the Madaya–Bokone–Kyauktada route, one from Myakantha village, one from Pansalaung Hill, and one from Baingpin village, with coordinated attacks carried out in successive stages to increase momentum and pressure. The security forces successfully re-occupied the Phayaungtaung mining area, which had been firmly held by MDY-PDF terrorists, on 24 August and the Alpha Cement Plant yesterday.
During the one-month and seven-day period, the clashes between the Tatmadaw and TNLA-MDY-PDF combined terrorist group occurred 24 times. Some security members sacrificed life and limbs for the State and seized 15 dead bodies, 46 assorted arms, ammunition and related equipment from terrorists.
The Alpha Cement Plant, located near Aungthabyay Village of Patheingyi Township in Mandalay Region, started operations in August 2020. It produced 5,000 tonnes of cement per day with the strength of 80 foreign experts and 300 local employees. Terrorists took positions at the cement plants, halting production. So, cement demand was high and the prices of cement rose. Moreover, residents faced a loss of job opportunities.
On 28 March 2025, a devastating Mandalay earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings in the city. The reconstruction of these buildings required a large volume of cement. The terrorist actions of the terrorists further caused significant harm and disruption to the socioeconomic lives of the local people.
Likewise, the Ministry of Mining operated the Phaungtaung mine (gold refinery) from 1986 to 1997 for the sake of the nation. After 1998, the refinery was leased to the private sector. Such a mine emphasizes the production of gold ore minerals and refining works with the strength of more than 170 employees. During the period when TNLA and MDY-PDF terrorists temporarily controlled these areas, business activities were halted. Moreover, by extracting and selling valuable minerals from the country for personal gain by individual PDF leaders, significant harm and disruption were caused to the State, the local population, and factory workers.
Tatmadaw has successfully recaptured the Alpha Cement Plant and the Phayaungtaung mining area, which were temporarily controlled by the joint TNLA and MDY-PDF terrorist groups. Consequently, necessary repairs will be carried out on the plant buildings and machinery damaged by the terrorists, allowing the factories to resume operations. This will not only help meet local cement demands at reasonable prices but also restore employment opportunities for the local population.
It was reported that Tatmadaw will continue to conduct security operations where TNLA and MDY-PDF terrorist groups take positions between Madaya and Thabeikkyin townships. — MNA/TTA
