Alliance Affairs Supervisory Committee, comprised with 26 revolutionary forces, in Thathon district of Karen National Union could switch guerilla warfares to offensives over the past two years after coup. To prevent the offensives of revolutionary forces, the military destroyed at least 5 inter- district and inter-village roads in Thahton district.
This interview with Major Saw Kyaw Myint, the chairman of Alliance Affairs Supervisory Committee is about military development in Thahton district, defensive operations of the military council and progress of Spring Revolution.
TLT: Could you talk about military situations in Thahton district?
Major Saw Kyaw Myint: The military has almost stopped their offensives. But they regularly fired heavy weapon shells in random from a long distance to villages.
TLT: How is the military carrying out airstrikes and reconnaissance aircraft flights in Thahton district?
Major Saw Kyaw Myint: There is no major clashes at present. They do not conduct airstrikes, but we see their reconnaissance aircraft flights frequently.
TLT: How have your revolutionary forces carried out offensives to military forces?
Major Saw Kyaw Myint: We are conducting both offensive and defensive. It is not possible to forecast major offensives in the nature of battle. Our guerilla attacks and their airstrike regularly occur in our area every two or three days.
TLT: The military is destroying public roads in Thahton district. Is it their preparation for defensive? What do you think?
Major Saw Kyaw Myint: The military carried out major offensives in Thahton district under KNU’s Brigade (1) area. However, they have changed to defensive position. We cannot conclude that they have no power anymore. Actually, they are in confrontation with revolutionary forces across the country, for example, Bago, Sagaing, Magway, Kachin and Kayah states where they need to enforce their forces. The military is emphasizing their offensives in Sagaing and Magway regions. It is likely related to business interest. These areas are included in China’s gas pipeline project that connects Rakhine to China. So, the military need to enforce their troops in these areas where the revolutionary forces are trying for territorial control. And that, I think they have suspended their offensives in KNU’s Brigade (1).
TLT: In conclusion, could you talk about progress of Spring Revolution?
Major Saw Kyaw Myint: There has not been clear result in revolution in six months or one year. Based on my experience in revolution, the result depends on our efforts and devotions and access to arms and ammunition. Armed power is as crucial as our manpower. We are trying our best in various ways to end the revolution in six months. Armed power is crucial for the result. It is not possible to end the revolution in six months. In the long-term revolution, we need to maintain our motivation. Only then, we will secure the victory in one or two years. Arms and ammunitions are needed to end the revolution in six months.
Our enemy has been well organized since many years ago. They have enough and more armed powers such as aircrafts. They have air force which is the major threat to us. If we got weapons to shoot down junta’s military aircrafts, we could end the battle in six months. Due to imbalance of armed power at present, we cannot say the exact time to end the revolution.
Thanlwintimes