Myanmar junta troops have suffered heavy casualties during a renewed resistance offensive in Karenni (Kayah) State, according to anti-regime sources.
Karenni Army adjutant-general Colonel Phone Naing said resistance forces are targeting a junta operational command in Bawlakhe town, east of the Salween River.
“We have captured two outposts outside the fence of the operational command, which is even larger than Bawlakhe town. Our objective is to liberate Bawlakhe town,” he said.
Around 20 junta soldiers were reportedly killed as resistance forces overran the outposts and seized weapons and ammunition, including artillery.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify junta casualties.
Five resistance fighters, including a deputy battalion commander, also died in the fighting as the regime retaliated with airstrikes.
An hour and a half north, Karenni resistance forces ambushed junta troops heading from Loikaw to Loilemlay on the Kayah-Shan border Tuesday evening. Junta casualties were unknown, but around 10 weapons were seized, said Colonel Phone Naing.
Bawlakhe Township is home to three Light Infantry Battalions – LIBs 337, 429, and 430. Junta troops from 2nd Military Operation Command are also deployed on the Bawlakhe-Ywathit road.
Clashes are also taking place on the border of Karenni and southern Shan State, as regime and allied Pa-O National Army troops conduct attacks to reclaim Moebye.
Karenni resistance groups have formed a joint command force to oversee military operations, including the defense of Moebye and offensives in Bawlakhe and Hpasawng townships.
Over 60 junta soldiers were reportedly killed in clashes with the Karenni resistance in March.
