The junta continues its offensive in Karenni State’s townships slated for voting in the upcoming election, sparking clashes with resistance forces.
Fighting has been frequent in Demoso Township, with an increase in clashes in Hpruso and Bawlakhe townships, where the junta has reportedly deployed additional forces.
“The latest clashes are taking place around Dawngankhar Village in Demoso Township. In September, two skirmishes occurred near Ngwetaungywarthit Village in Hpruso Township. Clashes have been reported in Hpruso and Bawlakhe townships, though they were not as intense as in Demoso,” said the tactical commander of the Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF).
Currently, more than 150 junta forces are stationed in Dawngankhar Village, launching near-daily attacks on KNLA positions and residential areas using rockets, artillery, and drones.
“I can’t even sleep properly at night because of the junta’s strikes. I’m really worried about sending my children to school, and I’ve had so many sleepless nights. If the junta keeps up these offensives and shelling, it’s going to create a lot of fear and panic among the people here,” said a displaced woman in western Demoso Township.
The junta is carrying out offensives in Karenni State, aiming to expand its control ahead of the election it plans to oversee by the end of the year. Since August, its operations along the Demoso-Hpruso Road have sparked clashes.
“We believe the junta is launching these offensives mainly to take control of the entire main highway and push toward Bawlakhe before the election,” said the KNPLF commander.
In August, the junta announced it would hold voting in seven townships in Karenni State, including Loikaw. It later clarified that the election would be conducted in phases, with Loikaw and Bawlakhe included in Phase 1, scheduled to take place by the end of the year.
The junta is currently stepping up military operations in Karenni State, leading to intensified fighting. Residential areas are not being spared, with artillery shelling and airstrikes causing locals to fear another wave of mass displacement.
“The displaced people urgently need food staples like rice, oil, salt, and other essentials, along with shelters. Right now, they’re relying on God’s protection. Fighting has forced the People’s Defence Force (PDF) to close some roads, making it harder to deliver supplies, but we’re still trying to find ways to get aid through,” said U Zaw Min Htike of Kyay Lat Myay, a local aid group.
In September, a junta convoy of more than 50 vehicles reached Hpruso Town. Beginning on September 20, the junta launched military operations along the main road to Bawlakhe after reinforcing its manpower and resupplying ammunition.
As a result, clashes broke out between the junta and the Karenni resistance coalition forces along the highway, according to the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).
The KNDF and allied resistance forces have announced that the Hpruso-Htarle-Nanhpe Road, including all its lanes, will be closed from September 23 due to the military situation. They have also urged the public to avoid traveling on the Loikaw-Demoso-Hpruso-Bawlakhe Road for the time being.
