Intense fighting erupted as joint resistance forces attacked a Junta military column advancing from Shan State to Loikaw Township in Karenni State, according to an officer of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).
"Clashes broke out as Junta troops marched toward Loikaw downtown and Yaekan village near the town. The Junta column is still around Loilem”, he reported on May 28.
He also mentioned that a series of skirmishes broke out at that Loikaw town exit point, the industrial zone, Padarngay, Loilemlay, and other sites.
Junta troops are advancing from Shan State into Karenni State using the Pekon-Mongpai (Mobye)-Pinlaung Road and the Hsihseng-Hteesekhar Road.
Adjutant-General Khu Reedu of the KNDF suggested that the purpose of the Junta column might be to regain control of Loikaw.
"We still do not know the exact objectives of the enemy column. But we think they are most likely trying to reinforce Loikaw-based Junta troops. However I believe it is not possible for them to regain full control of Loikaw in the current situation", he said.
Simultaneously Junta troops stationed in Loikaw are emerging from their bases and intensifying military operations around the town, he added.
Since May 14, the Junta's 261st Light Infantry Battalion, stationed near Loikaw's Nwarlawoe village, has also been deployed around Yaekan village, according to Khu Reedu.
As a result of the Junta's military operations, more than 1000 residents from villages in Loilemlay town and Hsihseng town have fled to the eastern areas of Loikaw.
"Most of the evacuees are from villages along the route where the Junta columns are moving. People in downtown Loikaw are not being displaced. Loikaw is getting even more crowded these days", a Loikaw resident told Kantarawaddy Times.
During 'Operation 1111', many Loikaw residents temporarily fled to Shan State, but have since returned as the fighting calmed down. The Junta has made efforts to reinstate its administrative system in Loikaw reopening schools at the same time restoring phone and power lines. But it remains a divided
capital of Karenni State with many areas of Loikaw under the control of the resistance.
