Myanmar junta claims recapture of key gold mining hub

Myanmar's junta claimed on July 24 to have ousted anti-coup rebels from a gold mining hub after a year-long battle, its second declared recapture of a key town in a week.

- 

YANGON -

A civil war has consumed Myanmar since a 2021 coup deposed the civilian government, with the military battling a myriad of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed organizations.

Scattered anti-coup forces initially struggled to make headway, but won a string of stunning victories – mostly in the north – when many banded together for a coordinated offensive starting late 2023.

In 2025, the junta's China and Russia-backed forces have clawed back ground on the northern front and the state media said its soldiers managed "to fully retake" the town of Thabeikkyin on July 23.