Karen Rebels Close To Seizing Myanmar Trading Town

Members of the Karen National Liberation Army and People’s Defense Force collect weapons after they captured an army outpost, in the southern part of Myawaddy township in Kayin state, Myanmar, March 1

Guerrilla fighters from Myanmar's Karen ethnic minority are on the brink of capturing the major trading town of Myawaddy, which borders Thailand. The Karen National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), has made significant advances, besieging strategic army outposts on the town's outskirts.

Myawaddy, located in Kayin state, serves as Myanmar's busiest trading post with Thailand. Its potential fall would mark another setback for the military government, which has faced a series of defeats since October 2021 when ethnic rebel groups launched an offensive in the country's northeast.

The conflict in Myanmar escalated after the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, triggering widespread protests for a return to democratic rule. The military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has acknowledged being under pressure and recently introduced conscription to bolster its forces.

Residents of Myawaddy have reported a lull in fighting since Sunday afternoon, with many going about their daily activities while some prepare to flee to Mae Sot, Thailand. The situation intensified when a Myanmar plane made an unscheduled flight to Mae Sot, reportedly evacuating military and civil servants loyal to the government.

Myawaddy's fall would be a setback for Myanmar's military government.

Karen National Liberation Army advances on Myawaddy, besieging army outposts.

Conflict escalated after military coup in Myanmar in February 2021.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry confirmed approving flights to transport passengers and cargo between Yangon and Mae Sot. The Thai government is closely monitoring the border situation to ensure peace and safety for residents, including providing temporary shelter to Myanmar villagers during conflicts.

The KNU announced on Facebook that its armed wing, along with pro-democracy forces, had seized a key army base near Myawaddy, leading to the surrender of over 600 security personnel and their families. Karen guerrillas have surrounded an army garrison and an artillery battalion, with negotiations underway for their surrender.

The Karen minority, like other ethnic groups in Myanmar, has long sought greater autonomy from the central government. The recent escalation in fighting between the army and Karen armed groups follows the military takeover in 2021, with ethnic rebel groups forming alliances with pro-democracy militias against the military government.