Myanmar's military regime has expanded martial law to encompass a total of 61 townships, including three additional townships in Shan State, as reported by Data for Myanmar, an independent research group.

The regime declared martial law in Mantong, Namhsan, and Namtu townships in Shan State, all currently under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). This move follows the imposition of martial law in Mongmit and Mabein townships in northern Shan State on Feb. 28, both previously seized by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Although the regime retook Mongmit after the KIA withdrew in late January, Mabein remains under KIA control.

Namhsan, Namtu, and Mantong are among six towns seized by the TNLA during Operation 1027, an anti-regime offensive from late October to early January, with the TNLA establishing its own administrations in these towns, along with Namkham, Mongngaw, and Monglon.

Major General Soe Tint, head of the Myanmar military’s Northeastern Command, is now nominally in charge of the three towns under martial law, part of the 16th intake of the Officer Training School.

The declaration prompted social media comments, reflecting skepticism about regime control in areas without soldiers and speculation about further martial law in Rakhine seized by the Arakan Army (AA).

In response, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun affirmed Myanmar's sovereignty despite ethnic group occupation in Shan State towns.

Since the 2021 coup, Data for Myanmar reports martial law in 61 townships with a combined population exceeding 8.2 million across various regions, with declarations in eight townships in 2021, 48 in 2023, and five more in 2024.

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