Resistance forces, junta troops clash in Myawaddy Twsp

By Admin 19 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
19 April 2023, Sittwe

Allied forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Kaw Thoo Lei Army’s Venom Column fought fiercely with junta troops near the village of Melkane in Kayin (Karen) State’s Myawaddy Township on Wednesday, with the regime carrying out air attacks, according to local residents.

Two junta helicopters dropped munitions from dawn into Wednesday afternoon, according to a Myawaddy resident.

“The fighting is still happening, and junta helicopters have bombed around six times so far,” a Myawaddy resident told DMG on Wednesday at noon.

Large numbers of junta troops also attacked Melkane Village on Tuesday, clashing with resistance forces.

“Junta troops disguised themselves as Karen National Union troops, and attacked Melkane yesterday. Two junta soldiers were killed in the fighting. So, they are attacking us again today,” said a source from the KNLA-Cobra Column.

More than 5,000 locals have fled to Myawaddy town and the Moei River, which partially forms the border with Thailand.

“Almost all the villagers have fled as junta helicopters were strafing near the village. Some villagers have fled to Myawaddy town, and some have fled to the Moei River,” said a resident of Melkane.

The regime was still shelling in the area at around 3 p.m., according to sources at the front line.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun about the fighting.

At least two civilians were killed and five houses were destroyed when the regime bombed Melkane in the second week of April.