According to Colonel Bhone Naing, Military Chief of the Karenni Army (KA), intense fighting continues in Demoso town of Kayah State with high casualties reported among the military council forces. Although the military council has declared control over Demoso, in reality their troops are scattered throughout the town in small groups while revolutionary forces continue to launch guerrilla attacks, resulting in ongoing military casualties. The military council’s claims of controlling the town are contradicted by the actual situation on the ground, where their forces are divided into separate units and facing constant resistance.
Military council troops who entered Demoso town on August 19 have positioned themselves in various locations throughout the town in groups of 30-50 soldiers each. While they are propagating claims of having taken control of the town, fierce battles continue particularly around the town’s junction area, resulting in numerous military council casualties. The military chief explained that the army has been unable to advance toward Pruso and remains confined to circling within the Demoso area. The military council forces are currently occupying positions in scattered groups, unable to establish complete control despite their claims.
The areas under military council occupation have been devoid of civilian residents since 2021, with the military forces taking positions inside damaged government buildings throughout the town as they attempt to maintain their grip on the area. Since August 4, when the military council launched a major offensive using both ground and air forces, thousands of civilians from Demoso Township have been forced to flee. The military council has also conducted airstrikes on civilian refugee camps, resulting in civilian casualties. The military’s attempts to maintain control of the town have involved extensive use of force, while continuing to face persistent resistance from revolutionary forces employing guerrilla tactics.
