A security official from Strategic Command-31 has confirmed that military council forces suffered over 70 casualties and nearly 60 injuries during interceptive attacks by resistance forces along the Asia Highway in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. The intense fighting occurred when military council troops attempted to advance with significant forces on August 9 and 15. A joint force comprising Strategy 31, KNU, KNLA, KNDO, and PDF engaged the military council forces near Htanku village, resulting in fierce battles.
Despite suffering heavy losses and being forced to retreat multiple times, the military council continues to reinforce their troops and launch offensive operations, leading to daily clashes in the area. The military council has stationed thousands of troops within Kawkareik town in an attempt to regain control of the Asia Highway section, while their Aung Zeya column remains positioned near Taw Naw waterfall. Resistance forces estimate that the military council has deployed approximately 400 troops in their advancing column, with thousands more stationed within Kawkareik town.
Continuous fighting has been occurring since August 9, with the most intense battles taking place on August 9 and 15. Currently, military council forces are stuck in a pattern of advancing and retreating around Htanku village, unable to make significant forward progress, according to PDF members. Resistance forces have urged military council soldiers not to sacrifice their lives for the minority dictators and have encouraged them to defect to the resistance side.
Additionally, military council forces have been increasing their troop presence in Myawaddy town, reportedly preparing for a pincer movement to attack the Asia Highway from both directions. Local military analysts suggest that the fighting may intensify in the coming days, warning local civilians to remain vigilant. Resistance forces are also preparing to counter the military council’s offensive operations. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to reinforce their positions and engage in regular confrontations along this strategic corridor.
