The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces have launched an offensive against the Thay Baw Boe military camp in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, along the Thai-Myanmar border since June 2. The military council forces are responding with intense aerial bombardments. The fighting reached its peak intensity on June 3 in the afternoon, with continuous airstrikes being conducted by the military council’s aircraft, according to KNLA sources.
Military sources from the border area report that the military council has conducted at least five bombing runs using 500-pound bombs, with the explosions powerful enough to cause tremors in houses and ground on the Thai side of the border. The Royal Thai Air Force has deployed two F-16 fighter jets to patrol the border area, though Thai news sources confirm that Myanmar military council aircraft have not violated Thai airspace. The intensity of the fighting demonstrates the determination of resistance forces to capture this strategic position.
Currently, only five military council camps remain along the Thai-Myanmar border: Ukayittha, Thay Baw Boe, Waw Lay Myuha Hill, Ti Thay Lay Camp, and Htee Ka Play Camp. The KNU has previously achieved significant victories in March, April, and May, successfully capturing several military council positions including Pu Lu Tu, Khlay Day, Thaw Ko Bi Khee, Maw Phar Thu Camp, Ta Lay Camp, May La, Black Do, Maw Khee, Bogyoke Aung Camp, Ka Nay Lay Camp, and Shwe Aye Myaing Military Camp.
The ongoing conflict has forced 507 civilians from Karen State to flee to Thailand, where they are currently sheltering in three different locations, according to Thai media reports. The Thai military has increased security measures along the conflict-affected border areas and is maintaining constant patrols. The KNLA and allied forces continue their offensive to capture the Thay Baw Boe camp, while the military council forces persist in their defense using air power. This battle represents another significant engagement in the ongoing struggle between resistance forces and the military council, with civilian displacement highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
