Junta Forces Invade Yinmabin, Pale, and Kani Townships in Lower Sagaing — Large SAC Columns Enter Following Bo Nagar's Surrender

Myanmar military junta forces launched a renewed ground offensive into Yinmabin Township, Pale Township, and Kani Township in lower Sagaing Region on May 1, 2026, deploying large SAC columns that triggered local battles with PDF and resistance forces throughout the area. Mizzima's Spring Revolution Daily News (May 1) reported the invasion as a significant escalation in the three townships. The offensive is linked to the April 2026 surrender of resistance commander Bo Nagar, whose defection reportedly provided the junta with intelligence on PDF positions and command structures in the lower Sagaing area, enabling the concentrated push. Yinmabin Township had already seen resistance operations in April 2026, including the April 27 landmine ambush that killed 3 SAC troops near Telpinkhan village; the junta's May 1 invasion represents a large-scale counter-offensive attempting to re-establish SAC presence in the area. Kani Township has been an active PDF stronghold with sustained resistance ambushes against SAC convoys throughout 2026. The coordinated simultaneous invasion of three adjacent townships suggests a deliberate encirclement strategy against PDF forces in the lower Sagaing pocket rather than isolated punitive raids.