Intense clashes continue to rage in Myanmar’s smallest state, Kayah, after the junta sent in heavy reinforcements in an effort to gain control over the resistance stronghold last month, according to local resistance sources.
The junta also conducted air strikes on both civilian targets and conflict zones for four consecutive days between Aug. 10 and 13, according to the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG).
“A church and three houses were damaged by junta air strikes in Htee Thaw Ku Village on Saturday. They also conducted air strikes in Shadaw Township near the border between Myanmar and Thailand yesterday,” a representative of the aid group said.
No civilian casualties were reported, according to the group.
Clashes have rocked Loikaw, Demoso and Hpruso townships since early August when three columns of junta forces began advancing along Pyidaungsu Road between Demoso and Hprsuso townships.
On Sunday, combined resistance forces of the Karenni Army (KA) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition after ambushing junta troops stationed in Htee Thaw Ku Village in Hpruso Township on Saturday.
The battle lasted about one hour and junta troops were backed by air strikes and shelling, according to the resistance forces.
The death toll among junta troops remains unknown.
KNDF Battalion 14 reported on Sunday that combined resistance forces attacked a junta column on Loikaw-Shadaw Road on Aug. 11, killing at least four junta forces and injuring many others.
On Aug. 9, resistance forces clashed with junta troops near Hpruso’s Ka Dar Lar Village.
A KNDF member was killed during the clash, according to KNDF Battalion 14.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Loikaw town after junta troops were ambushed by allied resistance forces on Aug. 9.
At least three junta forces were killed and seven injured according to the Karenni Army (KA).
The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the number of junta casualties.
Transportation of food supplies, medicine and commodities from Loikaw Township is tightly restricted, according to local volunteers.
“Severe food shortages are possible in the coming months due to the junta’s restrictions and surging prices,” a volunteer said.
Aid groups said around 100,000 people are in need of urgent food supplies and healthcare
assistance.
