Rebel forces announced that an ethnic armed group intercepted a junta retaliation near the Thai-Myanmar border on Thursday.
The Karen National Liberation Army, part of the Karen National Union, along with allied groups, successfully captured the last remaining junta Infantry Battalion 275 near a border town in Kayin state on Wednesday.
In response, the junta launched the state-level offensive “Operation Aung Zeya” to capture Myawaddy city, according to a statement released by the Karen National Union on Thursday.
The joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army destroyed military vehicles, including an armored vehicle, as junta troops were marching towards Myawaddy. Over 100 junta troops were injured and killed, and the group was stopped at Dawna Hills in Kayin state.
Radio Free Asia attempted to contact a Karen National Union spokesperson for more information on the retaliation, but received no response.
On high alert
A resident of Myawaddy, requesting anonymity for security reasons, stated that the Karen army had warned villages about possible junta airstrikes, which began on Tuesday evening.
Civilians in the area are awaiting evacuation to Thailand through the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, while other residents are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to evacuate if necessary.
The Karen National Army, formerly aligned with the junta but now with the KNLA, is patrolling the streets and advising residents to be ready for quick evacuation in case of heavy fighting.
The junta forces used heavy weapons and bombarded villages along their marching route during the offensive, resulting in civilian casualties and property damage, as stated by the Karen National Union.
The junta has not provided any information on the attack. RFA attempted to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for further details, but was unsuccessful.
Since April 5th, the Karen National Liberation Army and joint forces have captured multiple junta camps in Kayin state, including ones in Thin Gan Nyi Naung town and around Myawaddy city.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.