Tatmadaw retakes Alpha Cement Factory, Phayaungtaung Mine in one-month operation with minimal damage
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Htet Nadi (NP News) - August 30
Tamadaw has reportedly regained control of the Alpha Cement Factory and the Phayaungtaung mining area, which were temporarily controlled by the TNLA and MDY-PDF joint forces.
The TNLA and the MDY-PDF joint forces have been waging a campaign in Shan State and Mandalay Region since June 25, 2024, under the name of Operation Shan-Mann, in order to capture Mandalay, a hub for trade and transportation in the country.
However, Tatmadaw launched a four-pronged offensive on July 21, and on August 24, it reportedly retook control of the Phayaungtaung mining area, which had been temporarily controlled by MDY-PDF terrorist groups, and the Alpha Cement Factory on August 28.
During the recapture operation, although the TNLA and the MDY-PDF joint groups fortified strongholds and launched successive attacks to block the Tatmadaw columns, the Tatmadaw conducted its operations with restraint, taking care to minimize damage to the buildings and machinery at the factory, workshops, and mining sites while regaining control of the factory and mining area.
During the one month and seven days operation period, 24 major and minor clashes occurred with the TNLA and MDY-PDF terrorist groups, and there were casualties on both sides, it stated.
The Alpha Cement Factory is located near Aung Thapyay Village, Dahattaw Village Tract, Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region. The project started in 2017 and production began in August 2020. The factory employs 80 foreign experts and 300 local workers, producing 5,000 tons of cement per day, significantly meeting the local cement needs.
Also, the Phayaungtaung mine was operated by the Ministry of Mines from 1986 to 1997, and after 1998, it was leased out as a private factory.
The mining industry is contributing to the economic development of the country and the people through the production and refining of precious gold ores, and is providing employment opportunities to more than 170 employees.
The Tatmadaw has now recaptured the Alpha Cement Factory and the Phayaungtaung mining area, and will continue to work to restore the factory buildings and equipment that were destroyed by these groups, according to the statement.