At least 30 troops from the military junta, including a commanding officer, were killed in a clash near Nwarchankone village, close to Kyondoe town in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, according to a statement released today by the Mon Liberation Army (MLA).
The battle broke out on April 30 between junta forces advancing toward Nwarchankone village and joint resistance forces. The fighting reportedly lasted from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The MLA stated that Lieutenant Colonel Soe Min Htet of the junta forces was among the approximately 30 killed during the encounter. The military column was forced to retreat after suffering heavy losses.
The joint resistance forces involved in the battle included the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), the New Mon State Party – Anti-Military Dictatorship (NMSP-AD), the Swallow Column, the Lion Battalion, and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).
Junta troops involved in the clash came from several units under the Coastal Military Command of Tanintharyi Region, including Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 208 based in Kyaikmaraw, LIB 102 based in Mottama, and LIB 432 based in Bokepyin.
The MLA warned civilians living near Kyondoe to stay alert and remain in areas that can provide protection from ongoing fighting, especially against heavy artillery and airstrikes launched by junta forces, as battles continue in the region.
