On the morning of February 13, the Karenni Army (KA) successfully captured the Myanmar junta’s Point 5416 (Operational Base) or Taungkatoon Camp, located on the Thai-Karenni border, according to Karenni Army (KA) Commander-in-Chief Colonel Phone Naing.
Taung Katoon Camp was the last remaining junta military base along the Thai-Karenni border.
The KA launched its offensive on February 12 using artillery and drones, while the junta responded with airstrikes. According to Colonel Phone Naing, there were around 40 junta soldiers who were stationed at the camp.
“We advanced and cleared the area. This base was originally under our control, but the junta had taken over. We attacked with drones and artillery, and they couldn’t withstand anymore, so they retreated. This was the last junta camp along the border. There are no more left,” said Colonel Phone Naing.
There may have been casualties among the junta troops, and KA has seized some weapons, ammunition, and vehicles. The Taungkatoon camp is located on a hilltop and was originally a base for KA. However, the military council attacked and occupied it over 30 years ago, according to Colonel Phone Naing, who provided the explanation.
“We aim to take control of the entire state but it depends on the situation. This is not just about one area; our goal is to completely defeat the junta across the entire Karenni State,” said Colonel Phone Naing.
Some retreating junta troops fled to the Loisammone camp, located on the Thai-Shan border adjacent to the Karenni State.
Previously, on December 28, 2023, the KA launched an offensive on Maelayu Camp in Shardaw Township (also on the Thai-Karenni border). Junta troops from Battalion 134 abandoned their positions, and KA forces seized weapons, landmines, vehicles, and motorcycles left behind. Many of the soldiers who fled from Maelayu later regrouped at Taungkatoon Camp, which has now also fallen to the KA.
