KAREN STATE – Mr. Aung San Shar, the leader of Southern Military Region Special Team reported that junta camps were captured in the operations along the Hpa An – Myawaddy Road (Asia Highway) and in Kawkareik Town while 30 junta forces were killed, 14 surrendered and 46 weapons were seized.
Starting December 1, 2023, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), People’s Defence Force (PDF), Special Operations Force (SOF) and Drone Teams launched a joint operation targeting the camps and gates of the terrorist junta council on the Hpa An – Myawaddy Road and in Kawkareik. Fourteen junta soldiers have surrendered to the revolutionary forces so far while around 30 have been killed and a total of 46 weapons were seized from the junta side. Meanwhile, seven revolutionary soldiers have fallen in battle and the junta airstrikes killed three civilians.
Kawtnwe hill camp, Hlaingwa Bridge gate and Kyarpan gate in southern Kawkareik were attacked on December 1, 2023, No. 3 gate in northern Kawkareik was attacked on December 4 and the junta base at Kamaikone Cemetery on the Hpa An – Myawaddy Road was attacked and captured on December 6.
The junta stationed place at the school building in Kawkareik Chaung Taung ward was similarly captured on December 27, followed by the capture of Taungkyarinn Police Station on December 28. The junta camps on the Hpa An – Myawaddy Road, swimming pool and gas station gates were then attacked and captured on February 2, 2024 and after conducting clearance operations, the revolutionary forces are said to have seized control of the Hpa An – Myawaddy road section of the Asia Highway and 60% of the town.