The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) have jointly seized control of five military outposts along the road between Kawkareik and Kyondoe in Karen State. During the fighting in this area, more than ten members of the military council forces have fled and sought refuge with revolutionary forces.
On April 18 and 19, military positions along the main road between Kyondoe and Kawkareik were abandoned by forces including those under DKBA Colonel Bi, BGF Commander Maung Win Aung, People’s Militia groups, and Infantry Battalions 546 and 545. On April 21, six soldiers from Infantry Battalion 545 in Kyondoe, two from Hpa-an, and four new military service recruits defected. Currently, revolutionary forces have captured positions at Four Mile Post, Five Mile Post, Nwa Cham Kone, and Kaw Wa Let. Only two military council checkpoints remain – one near Nine Mile Post and another at Hlaing Wa.
At present, revolutionary forces have surrounded Infantry Battalion 546, Military Operations Command 12, Infantry Battalions 230 and 231, and Artillery Battalion 312 at the entrance to Kawkareik town, creating intense military pressure. After April 20, Military Operations Command 12 and its reserve battalions have ceased offensive operations, instead relying on drone surveillance, bombing runs with Y-12 aircraft, and artillery fire from within their bases.
The fighting has disrupted transportation routes, and civilians remaining in Kawkareik who have not fled as displaced persons are facing difficulties due to high commodity prices. The military council has fortified defensive positions by occupying monasteries, pagodas, and schools within Kawkareik town. Similarly, in Kyondoe town, hundreds of military council troops have established defensive positions at the police station, schools, pagoda grounds, and monasteries.
