Military Council Suffers Losses in Karen and Kachin States
Myanmar Spring Chronicle March 15th 2024 by MoeMaKa Media
In a significant blow to the military council, reports confirm the capture of strategic military camps by Karen National Union (KNU) and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) forces in Karen and Kachin States.
On March 15, the KNU seized the Kyaikdon strategic hill camp in Kyainseikgyi Township, Brigade 6, Karen State. The operation resulted in the surrender of 66 military council soldiers, including a colonel-level strategist and 12 officers, who cited food and water shortages in the besieged camp. While the battle for Kawkareik continues, prolonged fighting has left parts of the city ablaze and devastated by airstrikes.
In Myawaddy Township, KNU forces have made gains by capturing several military battalions, although skirmishes persist in capturing remaining positions. The military council, KNU, and former Border Guard Force (BGF) now renamed Karen National Army (KNA) are stationed in and around Myawaddy, with current assessments suggesting limited potential for further offensives.
Across Karen State, active military operations have seen KNU securing control over several camps and towns. Similarly, in Kachin State, KIA forces continue to launch rapid attacks targeting military council camps along crucial routes like the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road and Bhamo Township.
A KIA spokesperson confirmed the seizure of the strategic Bumre camp, the Military Operation Command Headquarters, on March 15, marking a significant victory. Previous reports indicate the capture of four other military bases during the ongoing operation initiated in early March.
Recent intense fighting extends beyond Karen and Kachin States, with conflict erupting in Sagaing Region’s Kani Town and Pa’O region’s Hsihseng Town in Southern Shan State. Kani Town faced a PDF offensive starting March 2, resulting in a brief PDF occupation before heavy military council airstrikes forced a retreat.
While the military council struggles to maintain control over border regions and key trade routes, towns like Kani, Kawlin, Tigyaing, and Mongmit are strategically significant, leading to aggressive military defense and counterattacks.
Despite territorial losses in Northern Shan and Rakhine States over the past few months, major urban centers such as Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, and Mandalay remain relatively secure from direct threats. However, ongoing conflict underscores the military council’s dwindling authority and the escalating resistance it faces across Myanmar.