KNU, regime forces clash in Kayin State

By DMG 15 Dec 2021

DMG Newsroom
15 December 2021, Myawaddy, Kayin State

Clashes were reported on Wednesday morning between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and junta forces in the town of Lay Kay Kaw, Kayin State, after weeks of rising tensions in the area.

A resident of Lay Kay Kaw told DMG that the fighting erupted after junta forces conducted raids in the town, which is the territory of the Karen National Union’s (KNU) Brigade 6. The KNLA is the armed wing of the KNU.

“According to information, junta forces will search into the area again this morning. When the KNU bans it, the military shoots with large weapons. We are preparing to flee from this area,” the resident said on Wednesday.

“They [the Myanmar military] are shooting with heavy weapons so far. It is more than 20 rounds. The KNLA also exchanged fire,” said a source close to the KNLA.

On December 5, a major and five other military personnel were detained by the KNLA, which accused them of spying in Lay Kay Kaw. On December 14, the two sides negotiated for the detainees’ release.

But Tatmadaw troops reportedly arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists on December 14, including a doctor who had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, and two National League for Democracy MPs from Myaungmya and Maubin townships in Ayeyarwady Region.

The KNU demanded that the regime council release the detainees, but junta forces did not comply, so the KNLA closed the exit of the town, further escalating tensions.

For weeks, junta forces have made their presence felt in the Kayin State townships of Myawaddy and Kyainnseikkyi, setting up checkpoints and interrogating locals.

A resident of Mae Htaw Thale village told DMG that there were many difficulties getting between Myawaddy and Mae Htaw Thale village, as well as transporting goods to Lay Kay Kaw.

“Getting to Myawaddy is very difficult. It is not convenient to go out because of arrests and inspections. We have to work depending on the situation,” the villager added.