Fighting has intensified since the morning of January 28 near Min Let Pan village in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Reports indicate that the military is conducting aerial attacks in the area.
According to a frontline People’s Defense Force (PDF) commander, the clashes involve the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), combined PDF units, and military troops from the 22nd Light Infantry Division.
“The fighting resumed this morning. There was shelling in previous days, but today the military brought in aircraft. The main targets here are a Chinese-owned jade site and the Phalu camp. They are trying to reclaim them, so the army is advancing,” the PDF frontline commander said.
During the clashes, explosions were reported around Lay Kay Kaw, Yathe Gu, and near the artillery base on Swe Taw Kone Hill. Military positions in the southern Lakkhat area of Myawaddy have also been firing heavy weapons.
Residents on the Thai side of the border reported hearing bomb explosions and heavy artillery fire. In recent days, some shells fired by the military landed across the border, damaging several homes in Thailand.
