The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) allied forces have launched an intense offensive against the military council’s Infantry Battalion 24’s Than Lel camp in KNU Brigade 7 territory along the Thai-Myanmar border in Karen State. Beginning early morning on May 10, the allied forces have been conducting drone strikes and firing 81mm artillery at the military camp. The military council has responded with airstrikes in an attempt to defend the position. This offensive follows the successful capture of the military council’s Taw Bi Kwee camp the previous day.
The Than Lel camp, located on the Nawteya mountain ridge east of the recently captured Taw Bi Kwee camp, has become the focus of continued operations. Due to the intensity of the fighting, Thai authorities have implemented strict security measures along the border. All Thaung Yin River crossing points have been closed, and Thai military forces are conducting patrols with armored vehicles every two hours. Checkpoints have also been established along the Mae La road. The proximity of the fighting to Thailand’s Mae La village in Tha Song Yang district has raised concerns about possible artillery shells landing in Thai territory and military council soldiers potentially fleeing across the border.
Thai military sources report that the Thai Naresuan Strategic Commander is personally monitoring the battle situation. The Thai military’s heightened alert status reflects their concerns about both stray artillery fire and the possibility of military council troops seeking refuge in Thailand. The fighting has involved heavy weapons and aircraft from both sides, with KNLA allied forces employing drones and artillery while the military council responds with airstrikes and heavy weapons.
The KNU has indicated that they will continue offensive operations against all military council camps within KNU Brigade 7 territory. This suggests that fighting may spread to other military positions in Myawaddy Township, including the Maw Poe Kay camp, Kyaw Kay Hti camp, Nawtra camp, and Wan Kha Thit camp. Local civilians have been warned to evacuate to safe areas to avoid being caught in the crossfire as the offensive operations continue to expand throughout the region.
