Local sources report that a military junta column of over 200 soldiers has been conducting a military offensive in the area around Mee Laung Chaung village in Palaw Township, Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region since the morning of 14 October in an attempt to gain control of the area.
According to resistance sources, the junta’s offensive aims to control areas along the Union Highway currently held by resistance forces. Clashes between the two sides continue.
“They haven’t been able to advance yet. We have positions in villages on the Union Highway. We’ve heard they’re conducting a clearance operation. At the moment, it’s a standoff. It’s difficult to give details about the fighting situation,” said a spokesperson for the Palaw People’s Defense Force, Battalion 1.
Due to the army’s advance, residents of Mee Laung Chaung and Kye villages have been forced to flee their homes, according to local residents.
Similarly, a junta column of about 50 soldiers has been conducting an offensive since 14 October in Khan Di village tract of Palaw Township, with some residents reportedly arrested.
One villager said, “We’re not sure who exactly was arrested by the army. The village is on an island and is quite populous. We can’t reach anyone there at the moment. The army hasn’t yet left.”
In August, resistance forces, including the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) of the Karen National Union (KNU), seized the junta and militia outpost in Mee Laung Chaung village. After the resistance forces withdrew, the junta reoccupied the area.
Since 14 October, the junta has reinforced its troops to retake the areas controlled by resistance forces, starting with Mee Laung Chaung, according to local sources.
The military junta began collection of population census on 1 October but it can only be conducted in some wards of Palaw under martial law. Some resistance sources in Palaw Township suggest that this military operation may be aimed at both controlling the area and facilitating the census-taking.
Sent by KIC.
