Ethnic Karen rebels and their allies have reportedly seized a crucial trade hub on the Thai border in southeastern Myanmar, despite efforts by the Myanmar military to prevent this from happening.
The Karen National Union (KNU), along with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), announced today that they took control of Myawaddy after capturing Infantry Battalion 257, the last junta outpost in the area. The town fell around 4:20 a.m. this morning.
All military council camps in Myawaddy have been occupied, according to the KNU statement. The remaining military presence will be cleared as well. The public has been advised to cooperate and not panic.
The KNLA and its allies had earlier captured Infantry Battalion 257 as confirmed by the statement, which was accompanied by a photo of weapons and ammunition seized from the battalion. Local media outlets also shared images of resistance fighters posing in front of the town’s welcome sign.
The capture of Myawaddy began late last year with joint offensives by the KNLA and PDFs, reaching a critical point when an important base near the town was taken. Talks for the surrender of Infantry Battalion 257 failed, leading to an attack on the battalion’s headquarters on Tuesday.
Fierce fighting ensued for 36 hours, with reports of the sounds reaching the Thai town of Mae Sot across the border. Attempts by the junta to send reinforcements were reportedly defeated by the KNLA and its allies.
Thailand has increased border security in response to the fighting, with patrols reported in Mae Sot. Measures have been further heightened to prevent Myanmar soldiers from fleeing into Thailand.
The violence prompted many residents to flee across the border to Thailand. The situation remains fluid, with concerns about potential displacement and retaliatory attacks by the junta.
The fall of Myawaddy is a significant blow to the military administration in Myanmar, following recent losses in other regions. The future implications of this development remain uncertain.
The KNU and its allies face decisions on consolidating their control over Myawaddy and expanding their territory before the upcoming monsoon season. The military junta’s response will also determine the course of the conflict.
Cooperation for trade flows through Myawaddy could potentially shape future relations between the KNU and the junta, paving the way for a new status quo or further conflict in Karen State.