Fighting has intensified near the Thai-Myanmar border after military junta forces launched heavy artillery and air attacks on Hpalu and Minletpan villages, near Myawaddy town, targeting areas controlled by Karen National Union (KNU) allied forces, according to local sources.
Clashes have been ongoing since February 8, after junta reinforcements advanced toward the villages. On February 3, military convoys carrying hundreds of troops and large quantities of weapons and ammunition from Hpa-An and Kyondoe battalions arrived at Light Infantry Battalion 275, based in Myawaddy, then they moved along the Hpalu–Waw Lay road toward resistance-held territory.
When the convoy approached areas near Mehtawthalay and Inngyinmyaing villages, it encountered KNU joint forces that had been positioned there. Fighting has continued in the area through February 12.
A member of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) based in Myawaddy said junta troops have been unable to advance beyond Mehtawthalay and Inngyinmyaing due to heavy resistance. As a result, nearby military battalions have been providing continuous artillery support, while airstrikes have also been carried out against Hpalu and Minletpan villages.
“Since the morning of February 9 until now, they have been firing mortars and launching airstrikes continuously,” the PDF fighter said. “They are mainly targeting areas where they believe our allied forces are present. There has been damage, but no local civilians have been injured.”
Sources along the border reported that the sound of artillery fire could be heard across the river in Mae Sot, Thailand.
Resistance forces reportedly evacuated local residents to safe areas in advance, preventing civilian casualties. However, the PDF fighter said there have been significant casualties among both junta troops and allied resistance forces, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Military convoys entering the Hpalu and Minletpan areas are being confronted by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), Cobra Column 1 and 2, and other allied resistance forces.
