A joint force of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) has launched a coordinated offensive against the military junta’s headquarters and bases in Kyone Doe Town, Kawkareik Township, Karen State, according to local sources.
Beginning on April 14, the joint resistance launched attacks on the Military Operations Command (MOC-12) in Kawkareik Township and Light Infantry Battalions 545 and 546 in Kyone Doe, escalating tensions in the region.
“The force entered and attacked the MOC-12 headquarters in Kawkareik. Before the assault, the military had surrounded the town. Afterward, about three battalions were inside Kawkareik. Additionally, numerous battalions were stationed on the battlefield and sent in from Kyainseikgyi. MOC-12 currently oversees about 10 light infantry battalions,” a military source stated.
The Karen National Union (KNU) declined to comment on the current military situation when contacted by phone.
According to ground sources, some military council bases in Kawkareik Township have reportedly been seized by resistance forces.
“It’s true that we began the attacks after the 13th. This can be described as a large-scale operation. The offensive is being launched from multiple fronts, and in some areas, the military is starting to lose its grip,” said a local source on the ground.
Resistance forces from Mon State are also reportedly participating in the ongoing offensives in Karen State.
The military junta is reportedly reinforcing its positions in Karen State with thousands of troops, using both land and river routes—particularly the Gyaing River—to maintain control.
In addition, airstrikes have continued, leading to a rise in civilian casualties.
Due to the ongoing clashes, thousands of residents are fleeing for safety, while others remain trapped inside the town as the military council has blocked all access in and out, according to local sources.
