On 3 April, resistance forces managed to rescue around 200 residents trapped in a highland village in Hpasawng, Karenni (Kayah) State, where the military council’s Infantry Battalion 134 is located, according to the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).
“I’m not sure how long they will be held. They were rescued on 3 April. The resistance forces managed to rescue around 200 residents who were trapped in the upland village,” said,Tar El Soe, a KNDF information officer.
He said the rescued residents were taken to safe locations.
Also on 23 March, resistance forces also conducted a rescue operation after the junta army detained over 130 local residents trapped in Kwet Thit monastery as human shields during the battle in Hpasawng town, Tar El Soe said.
The KNDF information officer further said that holding civilians as human shields is a war crime.
According to the KNDF, the battle to capture Hpasawng has been ongoing since 29 February 2024.
“The battle to capture Hpasawng is still ongoing. (The resistance forces) have taken control of most of the base 134, but they are still fighting to take full control of it,” Tar El Soe said.
The resistance forces have not yet made any official statements about the Hpasawng battle. There are reports of casualties among the local residents due to the military council’s airstrikes during the battle.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.