Hundreds of junta troops have been deployed and structures fortified in downtown areas of the Karen State capital, Hpa-An City, which is firmly under junta control. Since 4 October 2024, hundreds of junta troops have taken positions in downtown Hpa-An and surrounding areas, including the under-construction Zwegabin Plaza shopping mall on Bogyoke Road, the Denko fuel station at the junction leading to Hlaingbwe Town, Kyar Inn Hill, and along Htaungwi Kanna Road.