Fierce clashes have occurred daily since Aug. 2 between junta troops and allied Karenni resistance forces on the road linking the Kayah State capital, Loikaw, with Demoso and Hpruso as the regime attempts to retake control of its bases in Maese on the border with Thailand.
The regime lost control of the bases to resistance forces in June, and is trying to take control of the key road in order to retake the bases, a member of the Demoso Local People’s Defense Force (DMO Local PDF) told The Irrawaddy.
The road is crucial for border trade with Thailand as it links Loikaw with the border trade gate in Maese.
“They are heading in the direction of Maese-Hpasawng-Bawlakhe. They want control over the main road as they need to send reinforcements and food supplies,” said the resistance fighter from DMO Local PDF.
Junta troops heading to Demoso belong to Light Infantry Battalion 11 and Infantry Battalion 3, overseen by the 55th Light Infantry Division. The Karenni Army, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, DMO Local PDF, and at least three other resistance groups are fighting the regime on the road.
The regime has carried out air raids near the village of Sartaung close to the road.
Nearly 70 junta soldiers including a deputy battalion commander and a captain have been killed in the clashes since early August, while allied Karenni resistance forces have suffered three fatalities including a second lieutenant. Fifteen arms, a piece of artillery and ammunition have been seized from the military, according to Demoso Local PDF.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the casualty figures.
In June, the allied force took control of Maese town after occupying a number of junta bases including the police station. The regime has been attempting to retake control of its bases since then, said a military analyst. It is unlikely to succeed, however, as junta troops are outnumbered by resistance forces in the area, he said.
“The regime does not have enough men. They fought in vain over the past two months to retake its bases. The fighting will continue. But it will be difficult for the regime to retake any of the bases. Their reinforcements are limited. But it appears that they won’t stop fighting until they are worn out,” he said.
If resistance forces can repulse the junta offensive, Maese could become a liberated area for allied Karenni resistance forces, said military analysts.
The regime has been airlifting reinforcements and food supplies to its bases in Demoso, Hpruso, Bawlakhe and Hpasawng townships in order to attack Maese. It is also sending reinforcements via the Loikaw-Demoso-Hpruso road.
Another member of DMO Local PDF said: “If we lose the road to them, they will have greater control of the area. We won’t be able to move, and that would also negatively impact civilians. So, we are protecting the road however we can. Currently we can’t move much, but they can’t pass either.”
