The military junta is reinforcing its forces in Hpasawng town in Karenni (Kayah) State and intensively using airstrikes and artillery attacks to prevent the town from falling, according to Karenni resistance forces.
Reportedly, the junta is reinforcing troops and supplying more weapons and ammunition to the two remaining military bases in Hpar Hsawng to prevent them from falling.
Currently, as the resistance forces have blocked land transport routes to Hpar Hsawng, the military council can only resupply these two bases through aerial means, supplying weapons and provisions.
After the Karenni resistance forces began attacking the junta’s bases in Hpar Hsawng town on 29 February 2024, they were able to control many areas in the town.
However, as of 7 December, they have not yet been able to capture the remaining Infantry Battalions 134 and 135. An official from People’s Defense Force – Hpar Hsawng said they will continue to work to capture these two remaining positions in order to fully control the town.
“We have been fighting to capture the town for over nine months. Two battalions remain. Our combined forces are trying to capture these battalions,” he said.
The IB 134 and 135 are located on strategically positioned hills, fortified with bunkers and guard troops, and using a significant amount of artillery and ammunition, according to the Hpar Hsawng PDF official.
The main reasons preventing the capture of these two bases are the lack of sufficient ammunition on the resistance forces’ side and the heavy use of artillery and aerial attacks by the military junta, according to Hpar Hsawng PDF officials.
The resistance forces estimate around 200 junta soldiers remain in these two bases.
The military junta, unable to launch ground attacks, has increasingly resorted to aerial bombing in recent times to prevent the bases from falling.
The Hpar Hsawng PDF official said that in November, the military conducted repeated bombings.
“On 15 November, they bombed twice, three times on 16 November, and once on 17 November. No civilians were hurt. They targeted our areas of operation. Our combined forces also suffered no significant impact from these airstrikes,” the official stated.
In addition, Colonel Phone Naing, the Adjutant General of the Karenni Army (KA), said that the military council is also reinforcing its strategic base in Bawlakhe, located about 20 miles away, using aircraft.
Over the 9-month battle, Karenni coalition resistance forces have attacked and captured several junta positions around Hpar Hsawng, including two pagoda hills, two checkpoints near the Thanlwin Bridge, the police bridge checkpoint, the town hall, Htee Htar and Mawchi checkpoints, and Machi hilltop post.
Sent by NMG.
