In Karenni State’s Hpruso Township, the military junta is reinforcing its troops and supplies, according to military sources.

A military source told Kantarawaddy Times on March 17 that on March 16, junta forces sent additional troops and rations into Hpruso town.

“The military column is advancing in two directions. They have been pushing forward for two consecutive days from the eastern and western sides. Their main objective is to transport weapons, ammunition, and supplies,” the military source said.

The source added that the columns advancing this week consist of more than 500 troops. They are divided into two groups and are heading toward the Hpruso–Htarleh–Bawlakhe route. Revolutionary joint forces say that clashes between junta troops and resistance forces are occurring daily in Hpruso Township.

Local residents in Hpruso also reported that while advancing, junta forces have been attacking displacement camps where civilians are staying with heavy artillery and drones.

On March 15, a displaced woman in Hpruso Township was injured after the junta carried out an airstrike.

Earlier, on March 5, a military convoy that included a backhoe advanced along the Hpruso–Htarleh road. According to a record released by the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) on March 14, resistance forces were able to intercept and attack the convoy.

During the attack, three junta soldiers were killed, and several others were injured. The backhoe brought along to repair the road was also destroyed.

The KNDF added that frequent clashes have been occurring along the Demoso–Hpruso–Bawlakhe road between junta forces and resistance troops, and that the resistance forces are continuing to cooperate effectively in the defensive war.