Myanmar’s regime has been reinforcing defenses in Loikaw since it retook the capital of Karenni (Kayah) State, according to residents.
The regime has built a wall stretching about 5km west of Loikaw Airport, said residents. Junta media reported that junta-appointed Karenni State chief minister Zaw Myo Tin inspected the airport renovation on Saturday.
Zaw Myo Tin reportedly told Naypyitaw that the airport is ready to resume operations.
A resident said many troops are deployed at a physical education institute and sports ground east of the airport.
The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and its allies launched an offensive in Karenni State in November, attacking junta positions, including in Loikaw where a regional operations command is based. Anti-regime groups took control of about half of Loikaw but it was recaptured in a junta counteroffensive.
Clashes continued throughout July in rural Loikaw Township, according to the KNDF.
A Loikaw resident said: “Anti-regime troops attacked junta forces at Loikaw Technological University but they withdrew after the regime responded with drones and shelling.”
The regime reportedly used more than 2,000 troops to retake Loikaw, including units defeated by the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, Light Infantry divisions 55 and 66 and the allied Pa-O National Organization.
A resistance fighter said: “The regime is working seriously to restore security and territorial control.”
The regime now controls rural Loikaw Township, said a Loikaw motorbike taxi rider.
“I haven’t heard gunfire for five days. Previously there were continuous artillery barrages from the regional operations command, Battalion 54 and the technological university,” he said.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said in a televised address on Monday that the regime had started reconstruction work in Loikaw and Hsihseng Township in southern Shan State, and would continue to “restore peace and stability” across Karenni State.
Karenni Army Adjutant General Colonel Phone Naing said: “The regime is doing its job….reinforcing its positions and spreading propaganda. We are also doing our job. There is shooting every day in Loikaw. They can’t resume their administration.”
Residents said the regime has reopened public hospitals and some schools and resumed bus services. The regime is also reportedly rebuilding a market destroyed during the fighting.
The city has 19 wards, eight of which suffered little damage during the fighting and residents have returned. Four other wards were heavily damaged, said residents.
