Revolutionary forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) have launched an offensive against the military council’s Kalayday camp near the Thai-Myanmar border since March 22. The attacks are taking place at the Kalayday military camp in Hlaingbwe Township, within the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 7 territory, where intense fighting has been reported. As a result of the clashes, approximately 150 local civilians have been forced to flee to Thailand for safety.
The revolutionary forces initiated their attack using drones, and the military council troops have been unable to send reinforcements on the ground. While the camp continues to resist, revolutionary forces have successfully surrounded the position. The military council has responded with airstrikes against the attacking forces. The ongoing conflict has prompted the Thai military to increase security measures along the border. This escalation follows a previous successful operation on March 14, when KNLA-led revolutionary forces captured the military council’s Pulatu camp in KNU Brigade 7 territory, resulting in 12 military council casualties and forcing 11 soldiers to flee into Thailand, according to KNU statements.
The current fighting has significant implications for regional stability and raises serious concerns for civilian safety in the area. The situation demonstrates the continuing resistance against the military council’s control in border areas and the growing capabilities of revolutionary forces in conducting coordinated military operations. The use of airstrikes by the military council also highlights their typical response pattern of employing disproportionate force, often at the expense of civilian safety and regional stability. The displacement of civilians to Thailand underscores the humanitarian impact of these ongoing military confrontations in Myanmar’s border regions.
