The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has seized the military junta’s Khalelday base in Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State, following a series of attacks, according to an official statement from the Karen National Union (KNU) released on March 26.
KNLA forces, along with allied units, launched drone strikes on the base starting March 22. After days of heavy fighting, they fully captured the base on March 25.
In an attempt to defend the position, the junta deployed fighter jets for counterattacks. However, continued offensives by KNLA forces overwhelmed the military, forcing junta troops to abandon the base. Before retreating, junta soldiers reportedly destroyed their weapons and ammunition by setting them on fire.
The KNU confirmed that KNLA units are now conducting clearance operations in the captured base. During these operations, the bodies of two junta soldiers were discovered, along with stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment.
The successful assault was carried out by KNLA Brigade 7, in coordination with Battalions 19, 21, 22, and 24 under the security forces command.
The Khalelday base was originally built by the military on September 22, 1989, to control the Thai-Myanmar border region. Since its establishment, local residents in the area have faced severe restrictions on their movement and daily activities.
