The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied resistance forces have besieged the Ahnankwin strategic military camp located on the Payathonzu-Thanbyuzayat Road in Kyainseikgyi Township, Karen State. As a result, some military junta troops abandoned the camp and fled, according to resistance sources.
The attack on the Ahnankwin camp began in mid-August, and clashes have continued for over three months, persisting into October.
“There have been junta reinforcements, but we’ve blocked their advance. They still haven’t been able to reach their destination, and some troops from the strategic camp have fled. We also received weapons from those who surrendered,” said an officer from Dragon Column (2), who participated in the attack.
The junta responded to the siege by providing artillery support and airlifting ammunition to the camp’s remaining troops, who are reportedly running low on supplies.
“During the day, it’s relatively quiet, but at night, the military fires heavy artillery. Nighttime firefights are more frequent,” the officer added.
The Ahnankwin camp holds strategic importance for the military junta, which has been using mortar shells and frequent airstrikes to defend the base. The resistance forces are determined to seize the camp, as they did with the Taungson camp on the same road back in May.
On September 12, resistance forces also captured the nearby Luthshan camp. The Ahnankwin camp is now the last remaining junta-held base on the Payathonzu-Thanbyuzayat Road.
The ongoing battle for control of the camp has displaced over 1,000 people from 10 nearby villages, including Ahnankwin village. These civilians have fled their homes and remain unable to return due to the ongoing conflict.
