According to KNLA military sources, intense fighting continues as the military council launches offensives to regain control of the Kyaindone-Kawkareik road section in Karen State. Since early July, despite the military council calling in reinforcements including DKBA forces led by Colonel Bee, they have suffered heavy casualties. Military council forces and DKBA troops have experienced significant losses, including approximately 30 casualties from the military council side due to friendly fire incidents from airstrikes and other combat operations.
The military council has been forced to retreat four times after suffering heavy losses in battles at Kyaindone, Ingyi, Ohntapin, and Nwarchaunkon. Their casualties include three officers and approximately 20 soldiers killed, with another 30 wounded. Additionally, more than 10 military council soldiers were killed in a misdirected airstrike by their own forces, which also resulted in the death of one of Colonel Bee’s DKBA deputies. The KNLA and allied forces have also suffered casualties, with approximately seven fighters killed and more than 10 wounded by shrapnel.
On July 23, the military council launched new operations toward Five Mile Village along the Kyaindone-Kawkareik road, while Strategic Command 12 in Kawkareik prepared for a pincer attack toward Four Mile Village. Battalion 546 in Kyaindone, unable to break through toward Nwarchaunkon village, is now preparing to launch an offensive from Kawkareik toward Five Mile Village. Both Strategic Command 12 and Battalion 546 are conducting artillery and missile strikes along the Kawkareik-Kyaindone road section.
Division 22 in Hpa-an is continuously supplying weapons and ammunition to Infantry Battalion 545 in Kyaindone. The bodies of military council soldiers killed in battles between July 10 and July 20, along with the wounded, are being transported to Taungkalay Hospital. Currently, five military vehicles at the Pawtawmu Monastery in Kyaindone, Kawkareik Township, are preparing for operations toward Ohntapin and Ingyi villages. Due to heavy rain, strong winds, and rising river levels in Kawkareik Township, the military is reportedly commandeering civilian boats to transport reinforcements to frontline positions.
