Armed attack on narcotics checkpoint blocks road to Taunggyi Tazaungtaing Festival

On November 14 around 2:00 pm, an armed group opened fire on a Narcotics squad checkpoint at the entrance to Ywangan village, causing a temporary roadblock for vehicles heading to the Taunggyi Tazaungtaing festival.

A traveler described the disruption, stating, “Vehicles from Taunggyi couldn't enter Ywangan, and those from Mandalay had to turn back or take alternate routes. While private cars opted to turn around, trucks remained in line."

The Tazaungtaing festival in Taunggyi has drawn large crowds, and this year including war refugees from conflict zones, leading to significant traffic buildup as vehicles waited for the road to reopen, according to a local source.