By Kantarawaddy Times
On Wednesday, State Administration Council (SAC) jet fighters bombed Loikaw 60 times, according to Col Phone Naing, adjutant general of Karenni Army.
Desperate not to lose the capital of Karenni State, which is only about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from the regime’s Naypyidaw stronghold, and the capital of Burma, some of the jet fighters dropped 500 lb bombs on Loikaw and fired numerous artillery shells, resulting in the destruction of many homes.
“Jet fighters attacked Daw Au Khu and Naung Yar wards in western Loikaw,” said a resident, expressing the terror of hearing the deafening sounds of the explosions. “Every day, we worry about our safety.” He added that there is also no connectivity in the town, so they can’t receive news or call anyone for help.
Karenni Human Rights Group has reported over 45,000 people have been displaced from November 11-19.
The information officer for Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) stated that the resistance has captured two-thirds of the town since launching the 1111 Operation on November 11 to seize the capital from SAC.
The officer said that the regime has incurred casualties ranging from 100 to 200. Additionally, there have been losses among KNDF troops; however, he did not provide further details on these figures.
More than 60 regime soldiers have surrendered. SAC Capt Kaung Myat Ko, along with 32 soldiers, surrendered as the resistance forces captured Loikaw University. In adherence to its established protocol for handling prisoners of war, KNDF said it has ensured their well-being by providing medical care, food, and shelter.
