The Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 1 has reported that 29 military junta troops were captured alive during a battle to seize a strategic military camp in Mepali Village, Bilin Township, Mon State.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied resistance forces launched an offensive against the junta’s strategic Mepali Strategic Camp, which was manned by approximately 100 troops, in the first week of January. After weeks of encirclement and attacks, the resistance forces seized the base on February 1.
“During the battle to seize the Mepali Strategic Camp, junta forces stationed in Kyaikto Township fired heavy weapons and conducted airstrikes. However, by around 1 PM on February 1, the resistance forces were able to fully capture the camp,” said an official from KNU Brigade 1.
As a result of the battle to seize the Mepali Strategic Camp, Howitzers, artillery, rockets, and related materials were seized, and 29 junta troops were taken prisoner, an official from KNU Brigade 1 added.
In addition, there were junta troops killed during the battle, and some managed to escape. The resistance forces are actively pursuing and trying to apprehend the escaping junta troops.
The battle to seize the Mepali Strategic Camp resulted in about 3,000 civilians from Mepali and Ahsuchaung villages tract being displaced and fleeing to safer areas.
The Mepali Strategic Camp was captured in a joint operation by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the People’s Defense Force (PDF), the Burma People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), and the Force for Federal Democracy (FFD).
