The Karenni Revolutionary Joint Forces have launched an offensive with three military columns to capture the remaining military council bases in Bawlakhe city, Karenni State. During the intense fighting, Major Myo Min Thu and many other soldiers from the military council were killed, while prisoners of war and military equipment were captured, according to KA Military Chief Colonel Bone Naing. The offensive operations to seize the remaining three battalion bases of the military council in Bawlakhe city have been ongoing since March 19, with heavy fighting between both sides.
The military council had stationed three battalions at the Bawlakhe strategic base and attempted to reinforce troops via helicopters, though recent reinforcement efforts have reportedly been unsuccessful. While the battle has been ongoing for about a week, accurate casualty figures and losses are not yet available due to communication difficulties, according to the Military Chief. Unlike the previous operation to capture the Shartaw strategic base, which took nearly a month, the current Bawlakhe operation faces fewer enemy troops across three battalions with diminished manpower.
Local civilians have been forced to flee to safety as the military council’s strategic base has been firing heavy weapons into residential areas. The Karenni revolutionary forces have also suffered casualties and injuries, though detailed figures are not yet available. Currently, the forces are continuing their operations to encircle and cut off the military council bases, working towards achieving complete control of the area, according to officials in charge of the operation.
