Myawaddy, July (26)
More than 100 regime forces have launched an offensive to retake the Lat Khat Taung tower camp near Myawaddy, Karen State, signaling that the fighting will intensify, reported the information team of Dooplaya District, citing KNLA’s operation commander of Cobra Column.
On July 24, at 5 a.m., the joint KNLA forces engaged in a 40-minute exchange of fire with the junta troops, who launched an offensive to regain the Lat Khat Taung hill camp between Mytta Lin Myaing village and Lat Khat Taung near Myawaddy town of KNU’s Dooplaya District.
Casualties have been reported on the junta side during the conflict, and a civilian woman was killed and a man was injured in the exchange of fire between the two sides.
Furthermore, there was a firefight between the two sides from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on July 25, and junta soldiers suffered heavy losses during the two-day battle, according to the statement.
“The enemy forces has been fighting desperately to get back to Lat Khat Taung camp for two days. But they could not reach the foot of the hill. They retreated after suffering many casualties and were constantly firing back at us with heavy weapons. The situation has the potential to worsen,” Lieutenant Dar Baw said.
Under the direct instructions of the Commander of the 44th Division of the Military Council, more than 100 troops from Light Infantry Battalions 2 and 118 are making an attempt to recapture Lat Khat Taung Tower hill camp.
Starting at 6:00 a.m. on July 20, KNLA joint troops have raided on Lat Khat Taung Tower hill camp, which was seized at 5:00 a.m. on July 21.
A large number of junta soldiers were killed during the battle, and the KNLA joint forces confiscated numerous weapons and ammunition.
According to KNU, the 60-strong Light Infantry Battalion 2 and Light Infantry Battalion 118 took part in the Lat Khat Taung battle, and LIB 2 Battalion Commander, Arkar Aung and Deputy Battalion Commander, Kyaw Thu Maung, who retreated without receiving orders from their superiors, are being held in Mon State’s Kyaikto prison.
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