Kantarawaddy Times
Download PDF File – Monthly Summary Key of March
Junta Reinforces Troops and Supplies in Hpruso Township During March
In the third week of March 2026, a military column of more than 500 troops from the junta advanced operations into both the eastern and western parts of Hpruso Township. The column was deployed not only to regain territorial control but also to transport reinforcements and supplies. Clashes occurred between junta forces and revolutionary groups during these movements.
Additionally, on March 5, a junta convoy that included a backhoe advanced along the Hpruso–Bawlakhe main road, reaching Htarleh village road. According to a statement released by the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), revolutionary forces were able to ambush the convoy. As a result of the attack, three junta soldiers were killed, and several others were injured. The backhoe brought for road construction was also destroyed.
Similarly, revolutionary forces carried out another ambush near Nanphe village targeting junta troops providing security for a reinforcement convoy traveling from Hpruso toward Bawlakhe.
Frequent clashes have been happening between junta forces and revolutionary groups along the Demawso–Hpruso–Bawlakhe road. The KNDF stated that defensive operations are being effectively coordinated among resistance forces.
Around 10 Junta Soldiers Killed and 5 Weapons Seized During March
On March 17, revolutionary forces ambushed junta troops conducting a military operation and road security along the Htarleh–Nanphe road. According to the KNDF, approximately seven junta soldiers were killed, and many others were injured in the attack.
During follow-up clearing operations, junta troops became disorganized and retreated, allowing revolutionary forces to seize five weapons along with ammunition.
Earlier, on March 5, another ambush was carried out by revolutionary forces against a junta column advancing along the Hpruso–Htarleh road, resulting in the deaths of three junta soldiers.
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Junta Attacks Target Civilians
Five Airstrikes Carried Out
During March 2026, junta forces carried out up to five airstrikes targeting civilians in Karenni State.
March 19
On March 19, at around 3:00 p.m., junta forces conducted an air strike on a location between Hpasawng Township and the Mawchi area. One man was killed in the attack.
According to local residents, a fighter jet dropped a 200-pound bomb. In addition to the fatality, a house and some livestock were also damaged.
March 15
On March 15, at around 6:00 p.m., a village in Hpruso Township was bombed by junta forces using a Y-12 aircraft. A displaced woman was injured in the attack.
The injured woman, aged 43, sustained wounds to her abdomen, thigh, and calf. The attack occurred despite no fighting in the area, with four bombs dropped on civilian areas.
March 14
On March 14, at around 5:00 p.m., the junta carried out an airstrike on the “9-Mile,” an area located between Hpasawng and Mawchi, seriously injuring a civilian.
The injured person, a 40-year-old man, suffered injuries to his right arm and neck. On the same day, the junta also bombed Khaemaphyu, an area near the conflict zone.
March 10
On March 10, at approximately 12:45 p.m., junta forces carried out an airstrike using a jet fighter on the Mawchi area in Hpasawng Township. Two workers were injured, but there were no fatalities.
March 5
On March 5, at around 10:00 a.m., junta forces bombed a detention center under the judicial department in Mese Township.
Five people were killed, including four women and one man. Among the deceased was an underage girl. The victims were detainees held at the center, which housed family members of captured junta soldiers.
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Drone Attacks
During March, junta forces also conducted three drone attacks targeting civilians.
March 23
On March 23, at around 10:00 a.m., a displacement camp in Hpruso Township was attacked with a drone-dropped bomb.
The husband and wife were hit by shrapnel, and the husband was killed. The deceased man was a 33-year-old who was struck in the neck, while his wife was injured in the thigh.
The attack occurred when the couple had been dismantling their shelter in preparation to relocate.
March 16
On March 16, junta troops stationed in Nanphe village used two suicide drones to attack a village near the Hpruso–Bawlakhe township border. There were no civilian casualties in the attack.
March 5
On March 5, in the afternoon, junta forces used drones to drop incendiary bombs in western Hpruso Township.
One displacement shelter was burned down, along with stored food supplies belonging to displaced civilians.
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Artillery Attacks
March 16
On March 16, in the afternoon, junta forces fired about 10 rounds of artillery at a village near the Hpruso–Bawlakhe township border. No casualties were reported.
March 8
On March 8, in the evening, junta forces fired three artillery shells into western Hpruso Township.
A barn belonging to displaced civilians was destroyed, along with stored rice, corn, and peanuts.
Damages included one barn, 15 sacks of rice, 20 sacks of corn, and 50 sacks of peanuts.
March 5
On March 5, in the afternoon, junta forces fired three artillery rounds into western Hpruso Township. There were no casualties.
March 2
On March 2, at around 8:30 p.m., despite no active fighting, junta forces fired artillery toward civilian-populated areas in Hpruso Township.
Two 120 mm shells landed and exploded near a village, though no casualties and damages were reported.
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Civilian Casualties and Damage During the Junta Attack
Throughout March, junta forces carried out 5 airstrikes, 3 drone attacks, and 4 artillery attacks.
As a result of the airstrikes, 6 civilians were killed, and 3 were injured. Drone attacks caused 1 death and 1 injury. Artillery attacks resulted in no casualties but caused property and food supply damage. These figures are compiled from information obtained by Kantarawaddy Times, and the actual numbers on the ground may be higher than those listed.
