According to rebel sources, in Myanmar’s Myawaddy province, rebel forces have successfully captured seven army camps and a government command center following approximately four days of intense fighting. Despite bombing raids conducted by Myanmar jet fighters against the rebels of the Karen National Union (KNU) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), their advance could not be halted.
Reports indicate that the rebels have gained control of a significant arsenal, including howitzers, mortars, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, hundreds of assault rifles, and ammunition abandoned by retreating government troops. Allegedly, hundreds of Myanmar troops from the 275th battalion, based in the main barracks of Myawaddy province, surrendered to the rebel forces, resulting in the rebels securing full control of Myawaddy township, a crucial border town neighboring Thailand’s Tak province.
Leaders of the rebel forces are slated to convene discussions regarding the administration of the township and the potential replacement of the Myanmar flag with that of the KNU, an organization that has been engaged in conflict with the government for numerous decades. In response to the situation, Thai security forces along the border have been placed on high alert as a precautionary measure against a potential influx of civilians from Myanmar.
According to sources, the sounds of gunfire and exploding shells have ceased today. The People’s Defence Force (PDF) serves as the armed branch of the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar. It was established by the NUG in May 2021, comprising youths and pro-democracy activists in response to the military junta’s coup d’état and their armed wing, the Tatmadaw.
