A junta artillery outpost on a hill in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, near the Thai border was seized by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and other resistance forces on Wednesday, despite regime air raids.

They were the first junta air raids in the area since January although fighting is reported most days between junta troops and the KNLA, allies from the Arakan National Council and several people’s defense forces (PDFs).

The KNLA said it confiscated artillery shells and other weapons from the base near Palu Lay village.

Paho Saw Taw Nee, spokesman for the KNLA’s political wing, the Karen National Union (KNU), said resistance forces had captured the regime camp.

“The military used airstrikes and we are waiting for further information,” said Pah Saw Taw Nee.

Confiscated weapons and ammunition. / KIC

Casualties were reported on both sides.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify any of the reports.

Residents said junta artillery damaged Hpa Lu Lay village during the fighting.

Fighting near the Thai border intensified when the junta raided Lay Kay Kaw in Karen State on Dec. 14, alleging democracy activists and PDF members were hiding in the new town.

After this week’s fighting, more civilians crossed the Moei river into Thailand while others remain pinned down by fighting.

Paho Saw Taw Nee said fighting is close to the Lay Kay Kaw Thu Gyi refugee camp beside the Moei and the KNU is providing emergency assistance to displaced civilians.

He said he did not know how many civilians had been displaced.

Source:
courtesy of THE IRRAWADDY

by THE IRRAWADDY

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