Military and local sources have confirmed that in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region, the military council’s Chief Minister Tin Maung Win and Western Command Commander Major General Soe Kyaw Htet are performing emergency rituals at various pagodas to prevent the Arakan Army (AA) and revolutionary forces from entering the region. These ritual ceremonies are being conducted under direct orders from military council leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Starting from the morning of July 7, the main ritual ceremonies are being performed at the Shwe Muhtaw Pagoda, with the entire pagoda compound being secured by military council troops. Additional rituals are planned at the Kambawza Pagoda along Kyauk Ngu Waterfront Road. The entire stretch of road is heavily guarded by soldiers, police, Pyu Saw Htee members, and militia forces. Security measures have been drastically tightened throughout the area.
Public access to pagoda compounds has been completely restricted, and militia groups are conducting strict security operations and road clearance activities in the vicinity of the pagodas. These actions by military council leaders demonstrate their reliance on astrological and ritualistic methods to maintain territorial control and prevent offensive operations by revolutionary forces in the Ayeyarwady Region. The military council has deployed extensive security forces throughout the area, effectively limiting civilian movement and creating a heavily militarized environment around religious sites that are typically accessible to the public for worship.
