The armed wings of the Karen National Union (KNU) and its allies have captured a dozen junta bases in a coordinated offensive along the Thai border, spanning Karen, Karenni (Kayah), and Mon states, as well as Tanintharyi Region.
On Friday, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied People’s Defence Force (PDF) seized the junta’s strategic Bayint Naung mountain outpost – the highest peak overlooking the border trade hub of Myawaddy in Karen State– after regime troops fled into Thailand, according to resistance forces.
The regime’s Waw Lay outpost, located two hours further south in Myawaddy Township, reportedly fell the same day despite junta air and artillery support. Resistance fighters had also captured the nearby Bledo base last Friday (May 23).
On Wednesday, the KNLA and Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) – armed wings of the KNU – and PDF seized a junta base at Kanel Lay in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. Kawkareik Township is home to KNU Brigade 6.
“The allied forces are continuing their offensive, as numerous junta positions remain along the border,” a resistance source told The Irrawaddy.
Two 120 mm rocket launchers were seized from the Kanel Lay base, as junta troops fled into Thailand during the fighting, which also displaced around 400 residents, he said.
On the same day, fighters ambushed around 70 junta reinforcements heading to Thay Baw Boe camp, near Sone Si Myaing village, in border territory controlled by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), another Karen armed group.
The ambush inflicted heavy casualties, and a dozen junta soldiers were captured along with a cache of weapons. Some soldiers escaped by fleeing into Thailand, according to front-line sources.
The allied Karen forces have renewed efforts to reclaim Thay Baw Boe camp – a former KNU base seized by the previous military regime over 30 years ago. The KNU and allies retook the base in May 2022 but retreated after heavy junta airstrikes.
“It appears that they are targeting all the junta positions along the Thai border,” said a military analyst.
Clashes are taking place in territories claimed by KNU Brigades 4, 5 6, and 7 in Karenni, Karen, and Mon states and Tanintharyi Region.
Seven junta positions have fallen along the Thai-Myanmar border in Hpa-an District, Paingkyone Township, where KNU Brigade 7 is based, over the past three months.
Two border crossings have been seized in Tanintharyi – KNU Brigade 4 territory – including the crucial trade hub of Htee Khee.
KNU spokesman Padoh Saw Taw Nee previously stated that the KNU is coordinating with allied forces to liberate border areas where its brigades are active.
The Thai army has responded to frequent junta airstrikes by bolstering aircraft border patrols.
