Loikaw, November (6)
The Military Council is making an attempt to control Kayah State, where fierce fighting is going on, the Karenni resistance forces told Than Lwin Times.
The coup council deployed a considerable number of troops along the strategically important Loikaw-Demoso-Hpruso-Mobye Union Road and attempted to exert some control over the state.
These areas under the control of the Military Council Army were formerly occupied by the People’s Defense Forces.
However, the military council utilized heavy weapons as well as airstrikes in September, causing the People’s Defense Forces to relinquish several territories.
Currently, fighting continues between the PDFs and the regime forces that are trying to control Union Road, the Karenni National Progressive Party’s (KNPP) spokesperson, U Aung San Myint said.
Furthermore, the military council uses portions of the Union Road that they control to transport troops, reinforce, and supply ammunition and supplies.
“Soldiers are stationed along this Demos-Hpruso road. Three days ago, our comrades were shot and killed while scouting. Because the soldiers were there, the locals did not dare to go home. Some locals go to their homes and carry their belongings quietly,” the spokesperson of Demoso PDF said.
Because Kayah State is adjacent to Nay Pyi Taw and a militarily significant region, the junta regime is attempting to keep it under control.
However, the military council has yet to gain control of Kayah State and relinquish the majority of the territories.
Due to fighting between the military council and local resistance forces following the military coup in Kayah state, almost 200,000 local residents fled and have not been able to return to their homes till now.
News – Than Lwin Times