The Karen National Union (KNU) Mergui-Tavoy District has officially announced that all military council troops have abandoned the Tamaingtaung Camp in Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region, following a successful blockade and offensive by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). The camp, which was previously held by Infantry Battalion 285 of the military council in the Aungpu (Inphun) village tract of Palaw Township, was completely evacuated by all soldiers on August 17th. This development marks a significant victory for the resistance forces in the region.
The Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) forces had conducted a month-long campaign of cutting off supplies and maintaining a strategic blockade around the camp. These sustained pressure tactics ultimately proved successful, forcing the military council troops to retreat from their position as they could no longer maintain their defensive posture. Following the evacuation of military council forces, KNDO Battalion 7, Company 5, and KNLA special forces conducted thorough clearing operations before establishing complete control over the captured position. The successful operation demonstrates the growing capabilities of ethnic armed organizations in conducting complex military operations.
This victory represents a significant blow to the military council’s control in the Tanintharyi Region and marks an important achievement for the security of local civilians. The Tamaingtaung Camp had served as a strategically important position for military council forces, and its loss represents a substantial setback to their operational capabilities in the area. The capture of this position will likely result in improved freedom of movement for local residents, who will no longer face harassment and exploitation from military council troops stationed at the camp. This development also strengthens the position of resistance forces in their ongoing struggle against the military council’s oppressive rule in the region.
