Allied Karenni resistance forces seized control of the military junta’s Htu Chaung hilltop camp between the towns of Hpasawng and Bawlakhe in Karenni (Kayah) State, on 12 October, according to resistance officials.
In a joint operation, the Hpasawng People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the Karenni Army (KA) drone unit seized the camp, which housed about 30 junta soldiers, the resistance officials said.
A military spokesperson for the Hpasawng PDF said, “We had been attacking for several days. The allied forces conducted drone strikes. The junta troops retreated on the morning of the final day. We had repeatedly launched drone attacks and airstrikes in the previous days.”
The Htu Chaung camp serves as a strategically important location where the army reinforcements from the Bawlakhe military strategic base rest on their way to Hpasawng.
During an area clearance operation after the capture of Htu Chaung camp, the allied Karenni forces recovered some small arms, including a 60mm mortar. However, the junta troops destroyed most of the weapons before retreating, according to the allied resistance officials.
After the camp capture, the forces chased down and attacked the retreating junta troops, causing them some casualties.
The Hpasawng PDF’s military spokesperson added, “We intercepted them between Bawlakhe and Hpasawng. They suffered some injuries. We only managed to fire at them during the interception. They didn’t leave anything behind. They only suffered minor injuries.”
According to reports, allied Karenni resistance forces reportedly captured the Htu Chaung camp without suffering any casualties.
Since August, the military junta has reinforced troops and renewed offensives in Karenni State, but military situation in Bawlakhe District remains calm.
Currently, only four junta camps remain in Bawlakhe District: the 12-Mile camp, Want Ma Lan camp, and Light Infantry Battalion 134 and 135 camps. The combined Karenni forces continue their efforts to capture these remaining positions, according to their officials.
Sent by NMG.
