A KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army) source has confirmed that at least 30 military council troops were killed and more than 50 surrendered by raising white flags during the capture of the military council’s Thaybawboe camp on the Thai-Myanmar border in Karen State. The casualties occurred during the evening of June 3rd when the military council’s air force accidentally bombed their own troops while attempting to defend the camp from the resistance forces’ attack. The battle resulted in the seizure of significant weapons and ammunition, including 120mm heavy weapons.
During the battle, four resistance fighters were wounded, while among the surrendered military council troops, some were detained and others fled toward the border. The offensive was carried out by multiple resistance forces under the KNLA’s 32nd Brigade, led by Colonel Dar Baw, including the Cobra Column, Vietnam Column, Federal Wings drone unit, Black Tiger Column, Justice Soldiers PDF, and Black Eagle drone unit. The successful capture of the Thaybawboe camp has left the military council with only four remaining camps along the Thai-Myanmar border: Ukayittha, Wah Lay Byu Hakone, Thay Thay Lay camp, and Htee Ka Play camp.
The KNU has been conducting successive operations from March through May, successfully capturing multiple military council positions including Pu Lu Tu, Khlay Day, Thaw Ko Bi Khee, Maw Par Thru camp, Ta Lay camp, May La, Black Do, Maw Khee, Bogyoke Naing camp, Ka Nay Lay camp, and Shwe Aye Myaing camp. The Thaybawboe camp had previously been captured once before in May 2022 by the Cobra Column and resistance forces led by Major Eh Say Wah, demonstrating the ongoing success of resistance operations in the region. This latest victory represents another significant blow to the military council’s control over the border area and showcases the growing strength and coordination of resistance forces in their campaign against the military regime.
