Two separate clashes occurred between the military council forces and allied resistance forces near Kaut Hlaing village in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region on August 13. According to confirmed reports from the allied forces, 14 military council troops, including one officer, were killed and at least 15 others were wounded during the engagements. The military council had deployed two columns with approximately 150 troops in total to conduct clearance operations around Kaut Hlaing village when they encountered resistance from the allied forces.
The first clash broke out in the morning when the military council troops attempted to encircle the area. A second engagement followed around 3 PM the same day. During these battles, effective strikes from the allied forces caused one of the military columns to retreat in disarray. The allied forces participating in the operation included the Star Light (Sakapa) Battalion, KNLA Battalion 27, Strategic Operation Command 33, Dauna Battalion 2, Dauna Battalion 3, Ramanya Army, and Mon State Revolution Force. The resistance side also reported nine of their fighters sustained injuries during the confrontations. Currently, military council forces have regrouped and are reportedly taking cover around Min Thar village, according to allied force commanders.
A member of the KTLA Star Light (Sakapa) Battalion stated that the number of military casualties could be higher than initially reported, noting that they observed numerous wounded soldiers being evacuated by 12-wheel trucks and stretchers the following morning. The coordinated resistance operation demonstrated the growing capabilities of allied forces in the region, though the fighting has also highlighted the ongoing intensity of military operations in Tanintharyi Region as the military council continues its attempts to maintain control over territory through force.
