Intense clashes have erupted in Kawkareik, Karen State, as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied resistance groups intensify efforts to seize control of the town. In response, the Military junta has significantly reinforced its forces, deploying additional troops to defend the area.
The military junta has reinforced its forces in Kawkareik City and cordoned off nearby villages to prevent cooperation with revolutionary armed groups. As a result, fierce clashes between the two sides are ongoing, with both sides engaged in intense fighting to prevent the revolutionary forces from entering the city.
“The junta is continuously reinforcing its forces. In Kawkareik city, it is estimated that their forces exceed ten thousand. Additionally, they have stationed troops in the villages near Kawkareik and have set up defensive positions to prevent our revolutionary forces from entering the city. As a result, intense clashes are ongoing with fierce resistance from the junta,” according to a source from the revolutionary forces involved in the ground battles.
Currently, fierce battles are raging in the Tatanku village near Kawkareik city, and larger and smaller clashes are occurring in villages such as Kawtnwet, Ywarthitkone, and areas along the Asia Highway.
A source from the revolutionary forces added, “Currently, fighting in the Tatanku village area is intense. In yesterday’s battle, both sides suffered significant casualties, with the enemy losing around ten soldiers. Clashes continue in the areas of Kawtnwet and Ywarthitkone as well. The junta has reinforced its forces, with over 60 to 70 additional troops deployed from the 12th Division yesterday. In the Kawtnwet and Ywarthitkone areas, the junta has fortified positions and set up blockades. The primary focus remains on areas along the Asia Highway. Additionally, the junta has been utilizing drones, conducting airstrikes with bomb clusters in coordinated attacks.”
In 2024, Kawkareik City was captured by the revolutionary coalition forces, including the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). However, due to aerial support and ground offensives by the military junta, the revolutionary coalition forces were ultimately forced to relinquish control of the city.
Due to the military junta’s airstrikes on Kawkareik city and nearby villages, along with heavy artillery bombardments, innocent civilians have been continuously affected, resulting in further deaths and casualties.
