Revolutionary forces successfully captured the strategically important Ukayittha camp near the Thai-Myanmar border around noon on July 12, a military position that the military council had previously boasted about as their ‘living fence.’ This camp holds particular significance as it was partially captured by revolutionary forces in an offensive three years ago, but complete control remained elusive at that time. The military council had used this partial victory to create propaganda, referring to the camp as their ‘living fence’ in their media campaigns.
The operation to capture Ukayittha camp was launched on June 11 by a joint force comprising units from the Karen National Union (KNU) and People’s Defense Force (PDF). After more than a month of sustained combat operations, the revolutionary forces achieved their ultimate objective. During the final assault, Karen military sources confirmed one casualty from the military council’s side and one capture. The successful operation demonstrates the growing capabilities of the revolutionary forces in conducting complex military operations against fortified positions.
Approximately 88 military council personnel who were stationed at the Ukayittha camp fled to the Thai side of the border as the fighting intensified. This development marks a significant shift from the previous attempt to capture the camp, when revolutionary forces could only secure partial control, which the military council had used as a propaganda opportunity to boost morale among their ranks. However, the improved tactical capabilities and coordination between revolutionary forces have now resulted in the complete capture of this strategic position, effectively dismantling the military council’s claims about their ‘living fence’ and demonstrating the growing strength of the resistance movement.
