The Myanmar military junta has launched a heavy counteroffensive—backed by airstrikes, artillery, and newly drafted conscripts—in an effort to recapture a strategic village in northern Kawkareik Township recently seized by resistance forces.

On August 15, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)—the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU)—and allied groups overran junta positions in Kwimaungtaing Village, forcing regime troops to retreat and abandon weapons and ammunition.

Within 24 hours of the defeat, the junta launched air and ground strikes to regain the position.

Heavy fighting has since spread across the Htihpoezan Village Tract.

Resistance sources report that regime troops advancing from Kyondoe and Nabu are attempting to push back KNLA-led forces and retake control of several key villages, as well as the Bote Road section along the strategic foothills of the Dawna Mountain Range.

To reinforce the push, a nine-truck convoy carrying roughly 200 conscripts, arms, and ammunition left the state capital of Hpa-An on August 22 for the Kawkareik frontlines.

Meanwhile, further reinforcements are advancing along Asian Highway 1 (AH1) from key border towns like Myawaddy, Minletpan, and Hpalu.