After a week out of the public view junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, visited the city of Magway, the capital of Magway region, according to media outlet DVB.

The military is concerned that its bureaucracy in Magway region is collapsing and Min Aung Hlaing’s visit might have been partially made to quell such fears.

The junta leader is thought to have met with government staff in the city around 1 p.m. After speaking with staff in Magway City Hall, he is said to have visited the Shwe Sat Taw Pagoda where he is rumoured to have consulted monks for a yadaya ceremony (either a donation or a sacrifice to improve one’s luck). His affiliates were reported to have been forced to open stalls in the pagoda complex.

Min Aung Hlaing’s entourage also visited the archeological sites of Beikthano.

People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the Myanmar Army’s own area commander have recently said that resistance groups are in control of much of Magway, especially Gangaw District, Pauk, and Myaing Townships.