Heavy fighting has broken out in Kawkareik township, which is included in the Myanmar military junta’s final phase of elections, as junta troops clash with allied resistance forces, according to sources on the ground.
The clashes are taking place along the Auk Bo Tate–Naung Kaing road in northern Kawkareik, where junta troops advancing to assert territorial control have come under attack by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied People’s Defence Forces, resistance fighters said.
“We are KNLA troops, working together with allied resistance units,” a KNLA fighter told Independent Mon News Agency. “The military is launching offensives to retake remaining areas, and that’s why fighting has erupted. They are also using airstrikes and drones.”
The Auk Bo Tate road area is currently under KNLA control. Military columns from Light Infantry Battalion 97, based in Kawkareik, resumed operations in the area on Jan. 13 in an apparent attempt to regain control, according to local sources.
Kawkareik township is expected to be included in the junta’s election, with several parties planning to contest seats, including the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party, People’s Pioneer Party, Pa-O National Unity Party, and Mon Development Party.
However, one political party preparing to contest the election said voting would likely be limited to urban wards due to ongoing fighting.
“We anticipated this situation early on,” a party representative said. “Realistically, elections can only be held in town wards. Even campaigning in the town is risky because of security concerns. Rural areas are far more difficult.”
Kawkareik township comprises more than 60 villages and remains an active conflict zone, with multiple resistance forces and Karen armed groups operating across the area.
