Military tensions remain high between junta troops and allied resistance forces near Lay Kay Kaw New Town in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, despite the junta suffering heavy casualties, according to local military sources.
The clashes intensified after the junta launched an offensive in mid-October to seize full control of Lay Kay Kaw New Town and nearby areas such as Yathe Gyi, Kyaw War Boe, and Lay Kapa Waterfall, which are under the control of resistance groups.
During fighting in late October, junta troops reportedly suffered significant losses and were forced to retreat. However, they have since regrouped and redeployed in areas under their control in the southern part of Myawaddy Township, with support from the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF/KNA), said a local source.
“They pulled back because they took heavy losses, but it wasn’t a complete retreat. They’ve set up new positions in BGF-controlled areas like Shwe Taw Kone. It’s only a matter of time before they come back. Even now, artillery fire continues, and fighting is happening elsewhere too,” the source said.
Resistance groups, including the Black Panther Column, reported that junta forces retreating from the Lay Kay Kaw area suffered major casualties after being ambushed, hit by landmines, and targeted by snipers. The group claimed to have captured a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, releasing footage on the evening of November 2.
The retreating forces were identified as troops from the 209th Light Infantry Battalion under Division 22, based in Myawaddy. During the clashes, the junta reportedly conducted continuous drone surveillance and launched air and artillery strikes.
“They have superior numbers but no familiarity with the terrain. That’s why we had the advantage. They walked right into our traps and took heavy losses. Some of their soldiers seemed drugged — they fought recklessly without any sense of awareness,” the same source added.
The junta, which earlier regained control of parts of Myawaddy and sections of the Kawkareik–Asia Highway, has been attempting since late September to retake resistance-held areas in southern Myawaddy, including Lay Kay Kaw. Thousands of troops, supported by air power, drones, and heavy artillery, have been deployed, with limited territorial gains achieved through assistance from local BGF forces.
“The junta is spreading propaganda, saying they’ve taken full control of Lay Kay Kaw, but that’s not true. They only control certain spots. The resistance forces withdrew temporarily because of the junta’s overwhelming firepower—it’s far from a total loss,” said a Karen source familiar with the situation.
Currently, junta troops are reportedly sending reinforcements via the Min Let Pan–Phalu route from Myawaddy, but those convoys are being ambushed by resistance fighters.
The month-long clashes in southern Myawaddy have caused civilian casualties and forced thousands to flee their homes. Reports indicate that dozens of junta soldiers, including officers, have been killed, and some resistance fighters who previously served in the military have defected.
The junta’s ongoing offensive aims to reassert control over lost territory in Myawaddy Township, secure the Thai–Myanmar border, and ensure that the upcoming elections can proceed without disruption.
