KAREN STATE – The Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 5 stated that the junta council deserted Mawphu strategic camp in Hpapun District where they had been stationed for nearly 30 years on Sunday (February 25).
Junta forces have been stationed at the camp in Yalmhupalaw Village Tract of Hpapun District since 1997 and it was the strategic base of light infantry 349.
After deserting the camp, junta forces are said to have joined up with their troops at Khkho camp in Hpalatkho Village Tract, said KNU Brigade 5.
The deserted Mawphu strategic camp recently received the junta troops that retreated from Lalkalekyoe camp and Kyulu camp in Hpapun District on February 10 and 11.
The spokesperson for Brigade 5, Lieutenant Colonel Saw Klel Doh explained that the junta camps in Hpapun District are being abandoned as they are besieged and their supply routes have been cut off.
Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the spokesperson of KNU Central also commented in recent days that the junta forces in KNU territory have been switching from defense to retreat.
“They are retreating without us even needing to attack them,” said Padoh Saw Taw Nee.
Just in early 2024, there have been over ten junta camps that were deserted in the KNU territory due to the siege and attacks of KNU and allied forces.