The Beijing–Hankou Railway Operation (Mid August – Dec. 1937) was a follow up to the Battle of Beijing–Tianjin of the Japanese army in North China at the beginning of the 2nd Sino-Japanese War, fought simultaneously with Tianjin–Pukou Railway Operation. The Beijing–Hankou Railway Operation was not authorized by the Imperial General Headquarters. The Japanese advanced to the south along the Beijing–Hankou Railway until the Yellow River, capturing Linfen along the way. After the Imperial General Headquarters wrestled control over troops from local commanders, the majority of participating Japanese units were transferred to participate in the concurrent Battle of Taiyuan. These units were replaced by newly formed 108th and 109th divisions.