By Kantarawaddy Times.
In some villages east of Loikaw Township in Karenni State, military council troops have infiltrated and are now engaging in military activities in civilian clothes, according to Major General Boe Naing, the military commander of the Karenni Army (KA), speaking to Kantarawaddy Times.
“They (the military council) are in civilian clothes but they are armed. They have taken positions in two or three places in the eastern part of Loikaw. However, they are not beating or harassing the locals; they allow locals to travel in and out freely. Militarily, they are also conducting operations. Additionally, it can be a sign that they are ensuring the security of Loikaw city,” said Major General Boe Naing.
In July, the military council took positions around three villages and nearby areas along the Loikaw-Lawpita road. This could be to secure the entry to Loikaw city, according to Major General Boe Naing.
Local residents report that the military council troops are stationed in Zarap Phyu and San Pya Lay Mile villages. Although there are no current clashes, the locals are anxious.
“There hasn’t been a clash yet. Sometimes we hear fighting in the city. We also heard that fighting occurred in villages outside Loikaw city. Villagers have to move cautiously at all times, which is not safe. Villagers are concerned about their security wherever they have to travel. A battle could break out at any time,” said a local resident.
The Karenni National Defense Force stated that since the start of Operation 1111 conducted by the resistance forces in Loikaw city, there have been ongoing clashes between resistance forces and military council troops throughout the city.
The KNDF urges civilians to remain cautious about the propaganda spread by the junta regarding the situation in Loikaw and to prioritize their safety.
Fighting has also occurred in some wards of Loikaw city, and over 60 civilian homes were destroyed by fire in July due to the military council’s actions. The resistance forces have noted that the military council mainly relies on drone attacks in their operations.
