The 500-strong Junta column, originating from Hsihseng town in southern Shan State, has arrived at the Hsihseng-Mongpai (Mobye)-Loikaw intersection, according to resistance forces.
Tar Eh Soe, the information officer of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), reported that the Junta column has been deployed and positioned in the vicinity, according to a statement.
"The Junta column that left Hsihseng is now stationed at the Hsihseng-Mongpai-Loikaw intersection, also known as Kayantharyar intersection. The Junta troops are currently positioned in the vicinity, with their next direction uncertain - they may advance towards Mongpai, Loikaw, or Nanmekhon town”, he said.
The Junta column employed sophisticated drones to conduct aerial reconnaissance as it advanced.
KNDF has announced that there are intermittent skirmishes between that regime column and the resistance forces.
Tar Eh Soe remarked that the Junta possibly dispatched the column with the aim of retaking the extensive territories it had lost in Karenni State.
"It seems like the Junta wants to take back the territories and bases lost during 'Operation 1111'. If that is true, the column might head towards Loikaw in Karenni State, or alternatively, they could head to Mongpai and Nanmekhon”, he said.
The Junta column had been stationed in Hsihseng since late March, and by the second week of May, it commenced movement, indicating a potential advance into Karenni State. As per resistance forces, the column is progressing towards Karenni State through the Pekon-Mongpai-Pinlaung-Hsihseng-Hteesekhar route in Shan State.
