The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) said it has seized at least seven junta positions in eastern Kayah State and neighboring southern Shan State since Operation 11.11, an anti-regime offensive, began on Saturday.
Three units of allied resistance forces launched simultaneous predawn attacks against junta outposts in Loikaw Township, Nan Mei Khon town in Demoso Township, and Moebye town in Shan State’s Pekon Township on Saturday, according to the KNDF.
Fighting intensified in Loikaw, Kayah’s capital, on Monday as allied resistance forces attempt to seize the town, residents and resistance forces said.
“Fighting is ongoing in Kayah State, especially in Loikaw town,” a KNDF representative said.
KNDF Chairman Khun Be Du urged Loikaw residents to temporarily evacuate to safe areas as resistance forces are attempting to seize the capital.
“The whole country is fighting for a federal democracy. We need to demolish the regime’s administration in Loikaw in order to establish self-determination and root out authoritarian rule in Karenni [Kayah] State,” he said in a message to the Karenni people on Monday.
Meanwhile, many people remain trapped in Loikaw town amid junta air strikes and heavy shelling, the Karenni Human Rights Group said.
“At least 11 people were killed on Saturday by junta shelling in Loikaw town while almost 3,000 inhabitants left the capital,” said Ko Banya, the group’s spokesperson.
Around five civilian deaths were reported on Monday but the precise number is still unclear, he added.
The Irrawaddy was unable to independently verify the number of civilian casualties.
Volunteers estimate that around 35,000 people—including people displaced by previous conflicts—need to evacuate from Loikaw as a result of the recent fighting. The town is usually home to 50,000 residents. The capital is also the junta’s key stronghold and center of administrative control in Kayah State.
Resistance forces also urged civilians to avoid using the Loikaw-Moebye, Loikaw-Hsi Hseng and Loikaw-Demoso roads.
On the first day of Operation 11.11, both sides suffered casualties in the fighting but resistance forces refused to disclose how many it had sustained.
Resistance forces have also seized many weapons and a large amount of ammunition during the clashes.
At least six junta troops including a lieutenant were captured during the fighting on Saturday. The KNDF released video footage on Monday showing that the captives were being treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
The armed group pledged that all junta soldiers who surrendered to resistance forces would be treated in line with the conventions’ rules governing prisoners of war.
Loikaw PDF said it is also taking part in coordinated attacks along with Moebye PDF to assist Operation 11.11.
“I believe Operation 11.11 will finally liberate Loikaw town, the capital of Kayah State,” a member of the armed group said.
On Saturday, a junta warplane was shot down by allied resistance forces in Kayah State, the KNDF claimed. Two pilots ejected from the plane before it crashed.
The wreckage of the fighter jet was found in Thandaunggyi Township in Karen National Union-controlled territory in Karen State on Sunday, according to the civilian National Unity Government.
More than 800 clashes have broken out in Kayah State since February 2021, killing over 2,400 junta troops and 340 resistance forces, according to the Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF).
