Locals reported that the junta has deployed troops throughout Myawaddy Town in Karen State following the withdrawal of the Karen National Army (KNA).

The KNA is a new force formed by factions of the junta-aligned Karen armed group, the Border Guard Force (BGF), after they broke away from junta command.

The junta has given the KNA, which has severed ties with it, an ultimatum to leave Myawaddy by January 25. KNA troops have already withdrawn, and the junta has stepped up its military presence across the town.

“There are five armored vehicles patrolling the town. It looks like the junta might be showing its force. The KNA has sent all its troops into the town,” said a town resident.

The junta has never acknowledged that some BGF factions have broken away to form the KNA.

Online reports said that the junta is also receiving support from ceasefire-signatory Karen armed groups—the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC)—to maintain security in Myawaddy.

The KNA is currently overseeing security in the northern part of the town while continuing negotiations with the junta on long-term arrangements.