A fierce confrontation erupted between the Karenni Army (KA) and the Military Junta in the Melayu area of Sotasha Township, located on the eastern bank of the Thanlwin River in Karenni (Kayah) State. The clash resulted in at least 15 soldiers killed including officers, while over 30 others sustained injuries.

The  KA resistance fighters engaged in combat against forces from the 519th Light Infantry Battalion, and the 344th Infantry Battalion of the Military Council. Throughout the intense battle that ensued for over three hours, five KA members sustained minor injuries from artillery shell shrapnel fired by the Military Council, according to Colonel Phone Naing, the KA Adjutant General.

The KA colonel recounted,   "It is expected that both parties will

suffer casualties during intense conflicts. We too had a few individuals wounded. We had anticipated far greater losses on the enemy's side, considering the substantial amount of arms and ammunition we seized. While we do have a few injured comrades but their number is small .”, he told Kantarawaddy Times.

Colonel Phone Naing elaborated that the clash had initiated in the vicinity of Sotasha on August 23rd ,"We've taken possession of a standard 9mm pistol often carried by enemy officers, indicating that casualties on their side likely involve officers. These are individuals holding ranks from second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel, usually engaged in the frontline operations of the Military Council. It's a reasonable assumption that the list of enemy casualties will undoubtedly encompass officers”, he added.

Following the armed clash, KA successfully confiscated three MA1 rifles, one MA5 pistol, two MA2 light machine guns, one MG3 machine gun, two 60mm long barrel mortars, two 60mm short barrel mortars, assorted ammunition, and four heavy communication devices from the Military Council.

On the day of the battle, KA officials stated that aircraft belonging to the Military Council arrived to conduct airstrikes in the vicinity of the combat area.

Since the beginning of August, the fighting between the Junta and local resistance forces has intensified on the border of Karenni State and Shan State, as well as on the border of Karenni State and Thailand, and the Junta’s airstrikes are also increasing.