Kawlin, 8 November
Capture of Kawlin, a district town in Sagaing, by revolutionary forces was a significant step forward for the Spring Revolution, military and political analysts told Than Lwin Times.
On November 3, the Kachin Liberation Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) launched attacks on three places: the police station, the general administrative department, and the school compound where regime forces were stationed.
It was the first capture of a district-level township after a three-day attack on the regime troops in Kawlin, reported the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG) on November 6.
U Than Soe Naing, a military and political analyst, said, “Seizing Kawlin will be an impetus for the spring revolution and may lead to strategic battles nationwide.”
The National Unity Government (NUG) was able to capture the town for the first time in more than two years since the spring revolution began.
U Maung Maung Swe, deputy secretary of NUG’s Defense Ministry said, “being able to capture Kawlin despite the limitations of weapons and ammunition is a military and moral success.”
“At least 10 civilians have been killed and around 1,500 residents have been trapped in the town by the military council’s heavy weapons and airstrikes during battle,” the Kawlin revolutionary force said in a statement.
The joint resistance forces rescued the trapped local people on November 7, and conducted a clearance operation.
CDM Capt. Kung Thu Win warned the people to be extra careful because the military council, which has relinquished the entire town, could carry out large-scale airstrikes and bombings.
Before the capture of Kawlin, revolutionary forces, including the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched simultaneous attacks on military bases in northern Shan State, capturing nearly 100 military bases.
The military council’s spokesman, General Zaw Min Tun, admitted, “We have lost the three towns, namely Chin Shwe Haw, Hpawnghseng, and Hsenwi,” that are important to the army.
The NUG said it will continue to capture more towns and return them to the people, after Kawlin.
The NUG announced on November 7, that the revolutionary forces had occupied Khampat town, Sagaing Region following Kawlin battle.
News-Than Lwin Times
Photo-NUG/Kawlin PDF
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