Fighting reported in Kayin State border town

By Admin 25 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
25 February 2023, Phayathonsu, Kayin State

A clash erupted between the military and a coalition led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) near the town of Phayathonsu in Kayin State, on the Thai-Myanmar border, on Saturday.

The fighting was reported at around 6 a.m. on February 25 after the anti-regime forces seized control of the Myoma police station in downtown Phayathonsu.

“We heard sounds of heavy weapons and small arms fire inside Myoma police station at about 6 a.m.,”  said a resident of Phayathosu who did not wish to be named for security reasons. “I saw a fire burning inside the police station. The fighting lasted for about four hours, till 10 a.m.”

Some homes in Phayathonsu were damaged by mortar shells fired by the military and Border Guard Force (BGF) stationed on a hill during the fighting.

“Three homes in Thiri Yadanar Ward, which is close to the police station, were hit by artillery shells fired by the military,” said a resident of Phayathonsu’s Ward 1.

The military and BGF blocked off the entry and exit points of Phayathonsu since 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, and streets in the town were empty.

“Residents in Phayathonsu don’t go out anymore as the military and BGF are currently tightening security checks on locals and travellers,” said a resident who resides near the police station.

The military suffered casualties during the fighting with anti-regime forces, but details remained vague, locals said.

DMG attempted to contact regime spokesman Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun to seek comment on the anti-regime forces’ attack on the Phayathonsu police station, but he could not be reached.