Local sources report that the military council forces are preparing defensive positions around Hpa-an city in Karen State, constructing bunkers and trenches throughout the city perimeter. The military council has drafted contingency plans to defend against potential attacks on Hpa-an and is making extensive preparations for defensive operations with troop deployments. The ongoing battles have now moved very close to Hpa-an, with multiple access routes to the city available from areas such as Gyaing Bridge, Nabu, Dawlan, Kayar, Thanlyin, Myaing Gyi Nyi, and Mutkyi.
Light Infantry Division 22 is preparing defensive positions around the city, with military columns deployed and outposts established in villages near Lon Na and Thamanya areas. Armored vehicles and artillery units have been positioned in Paung and Hti Lon regions, while military vessels are conducting patrols along the Salween River near Kayar, Thanlyin, Mutkyi, and Mizan areas. Family members of soldiers from the 10 battalions in the Hpa-an military zone, including spouses and children, are being required to undergo basic combat training at Infantry Battalions 201 and 202.
Hpa-an hosts 10 battalions under Light Infantry Division 22, including infantry units, medical corps, military police, logistics, engineering corps, artillery, communications, police, and armament units. Family members from these battalions are being trained as city defense reserves. Additionally, the military council is concerned about the possibility of Border Guard Force (BGF) units aligning with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). They are particularly worried that if KNLA allied forces attack Hpa-an, all Karen armed groups including the BGF, Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), and KNLA-Peace Council might reunify with the parent organization, the Karen National Union (KNU).
