By Lae Thyoe and Maw Mi Myar/Kantarawaddy Times
Karenni resistance fighters say they have killed 27 Burma Army (BA) soldiers, including a captain, and captured a live soldier in attacks on a military convoy in Hpruso Township.
According to the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) spokesperson, 14 rifles, one RPG-7 launcher and 4 grenades, 4 shells and 1,500 rounds of ammunition were recovered in clashes near Lor Kyay Khu on Saturday 7 May.
KNDF Battalions 4 and 15 and Karenni Army (KA) ambushed the convoy delivering food rations at 8:30am. Fighting continued for the next two hours, during which four BA trucks were set on fire. Around noon, KNDF and KA engaged in fighting with reinforcements sent by the regime.
“Fighting will escalate further in Karenni State if they continue the military operation against us and send food rations to their base camp,” the spokesperson said, warning civilians to avoid the area as violence could break out at any time. If civilians have to leave their homes, he urged them to find out where the clashes are taking place.
Last Friday, a KNDF soldier from Battalion 15 was killed when the groups fought with the BA in the township.
