The Karen National Union (KNU) Central Executive Committee member Padoh Saw Taw Nee has criticized the three-day peace talks being held in Naypyidaw, describing them as a futile exercise akin to watering a poisonous plant. He stated that these discussions would not contribute to genuine peace in the country. The criticism comes as intense fighting continues between ethnic armed organizations and military council forces across various regions. The peace talks have been viewed as ineffective while active conflicts persist throughout the country.
Revolutionary forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) have launched an offensive against the military council’s Khalay Day camp near the Thai-Myanmar border. According to KNLA sources, the military council has responded with airstrikes, dropping bombs in the area. The aerial attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and forced local residents to flee their homes seeking safety. The ongoing battle has significantly impacted the local population, with many civilians displaced from their communities as they seek refuge from the fighting.
In Banmaw Township, Kachin State, reports have emerged about Lieutenant Colonel Myint Htwe, commander of Transport Battalion No. 3, forcing his troops to engage in combat operations without providing operational allowances or salaries. This situation has led to declining morale among the soldiers, with some reportedly deserting their posts. Military council forces are facing severe shortages of supplies, ammunition, and experiencing difficulties in recruiting new soldiers. Internal sources have confirmed these challenges, highlighting the growing operational difficulties faced by military council units in the region. The situation reflects the broader challenges facing the military council’s forces, including logistical constraints and recruitment problems.
