Kantarawaddy Times
On November 10, vehicles carrying military junta soldiers and supplies were seen transporting from Pinlaung Township to Pekon Township, according to a local eyewitness from Pinlaung.
“They are indeed sending reinforcements. I saw it myself. There were around 18 vehicles. Among them, over 10 were 12-wheel trucks carrying supplies,” said the local man from Pinlaung.
Before the reinforcements were sent, battles had been occurring for over a month near villages and surrounding areas along the Pinlaung-Pekon border.
Although the exact number of troops sent from Pinlaung to Pekon is unsure, an estimated force of around 100 soldiers is believed to have been deployed, according to Ta Ae Soe, the spokesperson for the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF).
“The report that the military junta is sending reinforcements from Pinlaung to Pekon is accurate. While the exact number is hard to estimate, it could be between 50 to 100 troops,” said Ta Ae Soe.
It has been reported that the supplies and reinforcements have already reached Pekon. These troops are expected to advance toward Moebye and Loikaw Townships, according to Ta Ae Soe.
“There are already some routes opened, so reinforcements and movements can occur at any time,” he added.
Since early September until November, battles have been occurring in Pekon, including the border area with Pinlaung. On November 8, an airstrike by the junta on Kala Village in eastern Pekon killed two civilians. Additionally, artillery shelling near villages along the Moebye-Loikaw Union Highway killed four civilians, including a child.
Following the recent troop reinforcements, the situation has been reported as relatively calm around Moebye and Pinlaung. Within Pekon Township, battalions 336, 421, and the 7th Operational Command Headquarters are stationed.
