The 10th Battalion of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) intercepted and attacked the Military Council troops traveling to transport food at around 3:30 PM on November 13.

3 soldiers from the Military Council including an army captain were killed, and an MA-1 rifle, 4 gun-magazines with some ammos and a phone was seized, a KNDF information officer told Kantarawaddy Times.

“ When the Military Council was transporting food from Law Htaw Air Base, we intercepted and attacked them. The battle lasted only 10 minutes.Three of them including one captain, were killed. We seized their weapons and some ammunition”, he said.

KNDF intercepted and attacked the Military Council troops who came out from their base on Law Htaw Mountain near the Belu Chaung River in Lawpita town, fully equipped with weapons.The Military Council opened fire with artillery, but the KNDF’s 10th Battalion fighters were able to retreat unharmed.

After that the 72nd and 530th Infantry Battalions based in Lawpita opened fire with artillery. Locals said that the artillery shells fell into the fields next to the villages and exploded. The KNDF has warned residents to be careful as the Military Council is firing at non-combat areas.

KNDF said they conducted small armed clashes and ambush attacks against the Military Council troops in Karenni State up to November 14. At least 9 members of the Military Council were killed in 13 clashes in Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, Bawlakhe and Shadaw Townships, according to  KNDF’s statement issued on November 14.