Kawthaung, February (25)
Over 1,000 residents have fled their villages and are hiding in the forests near the Thai border as a result of the fighting in Kawthaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, a PDF official told Than Lwin Times.
The junta forces invaded Kawthaung’s Waidin, Parkalub, Tat-U, and Myaing Thar Yar villages, which were held by the Kawthoolei Army and People’s Defense Forces, and a clash erupted between the two sides on February 21.
Villagers from five villages, including Waidin, Parkalub, and Aung Thar Yar, fled the fighting and sought refuge in the woods near Thailand’s border.
The regime troops are currently stationed in Waidin village, and nearly 200 troops arrived in Shan Ko village in Bokepyin Township on the night of February 23.
According to Monedaing, a comrade of the Kawthaung PDF, the reinforcing could intensify the fighting.
The Thai military has reportedly strengthened security personnel and is monitoring the areas close to the villages where fighting occurs, according to Thai media.
The battle that broke out in Waidin village, Kawthaung, killed at least eight junta soldiers and injured many others, while two comrades of the PDF joint forces sustained injuries.
News-Than Lwin Times