The military junta has imposed a blockade on Kawkareik Township, preventing local residents from leaving the town, according to sources from resistance groups operating in the area.
The move comes as joint resistance forces, including the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), surround the town in what appears to be preparation for an offensive. Fearing the potential loss of control over the area, junta forces have sealed off all major entry and exit points and barred civilians from fleeing.
“Our forces have surrounded the town, so the junta is using civilians as human shields by not allowing anyone to leave. We estimate that about 10,000 people are currently trapped inside,” said a resistance source based near Kawkareik.
Fighting has intensified along the route between Kawkareik and Taw Naw Waterfall, where the KNLA and allied resistance groups are attacking positions held by the junta’s Aung Zaya military column. Clashes are reported daily in multiple locations.
In response to growing battlefield losses, junta forces have reportedly cut communications lines in parts of Kawkareik and increased airstrikes. Troop reinforcements are also being sent into the area.
“In some areas, the military has cut off communications. We have to rely on Thai SIM cards to stay in touch. They’ve been reinforcing their troops daily and have set up positions in places like the Join Bridge, Join Village, and along Kyarlay Road,” the same resistance source added. “They’re currently fortifying defenses near Join Village. Meanwhile, airstrikes and attacks on villages near Kyondoe and Kawkareik continue on a daily basis.”
Locals say that frequent air raids by junta aircraft are killing civilians and destroying homes in rural areas near Kawkareik.
“There’s almost no one left in the villages, everyone has fled into the forest. We’ve also taken shelter in a safer area. But the airstrikes keep coming unexpectedly,” said a woman from Htawywe Village.
According to an April 19 statement from the Karen National Union (KNU), intense fighting is occurring across Karen State. The junta is targeting civilians and attacking schools, monasteries, religious sites, and displaced persons camps with heavy artillery and airstrikes.
The KNU has urged civilians to avoid military targets and not to travel in or near conflict zones unless absolutely necessary.
