Kantarawaddy Times
The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) has urged the public to remain cautious after the military junta resumed artillery shelling last night (November 13) in the western part of Dee Maw Hso Township. The shelling was carried out by units stationed at the junta’s Dee Maw Hso base, including Infantry Battalion 427 and Light Infantry Battalion 102.
“There have been ongoing artillery attacks in the western part of Demoso, both day and night. We want to advise the public to exercise special caution for their safety. When the military junta intensifies artillery shelling, it often indicates a upcoming ground offensive. This pattern was seen in previous years as well. Sometimes, they also conduct shelling to intimidate the public. These actions are not new,” said Ta Ae Soe, the spokesperson for the KNDF.
Following the launch of operation 1111 on November 11, 2023, there had been no direct battles in Dee Maw Hso Township, and the junta’s artillery shelling had ceased for a while. However, in August, during the transportation of ammunition and supplies from Loikaw to the Light Infantry Battalion 102 stationed in Dee Maw Hso, the junta carried out artillery attacks within the township.
Before the operation 1111, the junta’s stationed troops had monthly artillery shelling in the western part of Dee Maw Hso Township. This affected villages and IDP camps in areas such as DawNganKhar and Kotpalot.
“For months, we didn’t hear about artillery shelling in Dee Maw Hso and Hpruso areas. This is the first time it’s resumed,” said a resident from Dee Maw Hso.
Since August, a joint military force of 500 troops from the junta and the Pa-O National Army (PNO) advanced from Pinlaung, Shan State, towards the Shan-Karenni border town of Pekhon. The conflict along the Pekhon-Pinlaung border has now entered its third month, with over 20,000 residents still displaced.
Currently, the junta forces have reached Pekhon and Moebye Towns, and shelling and airstrikes targeting civilian areas have resulted in casualties.
On November 14, reports indicate that battles are ongoing in Moebye Town, near the Shan-Karenni border, between the revolutionary forces and the junta’s combined forces.
“The forces from Pinlaung have reached Pekhon. From there, they could reinforce Moebye. It’s uncertain which direction their offensive will proceed—whether towards Loikaw or to Nam Mae Khon. We need to monitor the situation closely,” Ta Ae Soe added.
As battles continue along the Shan-Karenni border, including the Pekhon-Pinlaung area, the military junta has resumed artillery shelling in civilian areas.
