Thirty Burmese soldiers were killed when Karen armed forces ambushed the joint forces of the Burmese Army and BGF in southern Kawkareik town in Karen State. The Karen forces seized 30 weapons.

The DKBA Kalohtoobaw strategic command 1 and KNLA regiment no. 18 ambushed the joint forces of the Burmese Army’s IB 231 under MOC 12 and BGF no. 1016 between Khudon and Aung Lai village on November 28 mid-day, according to Maj. Saw Hsan Aung, operation commander of DKBA Kalohtoobaw strategic command 1.

“Our forces ambushed the Burmese Army and BGF army columns in the valley between Khudon and Aung Lai village around noon. We seized 30 bodies of the BGF soldiers and 30 assault weapons,” he told KIC.

According to Maj. Saw Hsan Aung, Karen soldiers also suffered injuries but the Karen forces confiscated 81 mm, 82mm mortar, RPG launchers, MA 1, and MA 2 rifles from the BGF forces.

Likewise, Burmese Army and Karen armed forced have exchanged gunfire in Phaluu village in Wor Lay area, Myawaddy township since November 26. One soldier was killed and 25 injured on the Burmese Army side and one Karen soldier received minor injuries in the battle.

Consequent to the gun battles, over 1,000 Karen from Phaluugyi, Phaluunge and Kyauk Khet village fled across the border and took refuge in Photphra township, Thailand.

DKBA forces led by Lt. Col. Saw A One exchanged gunfire with Burmese Army’s LIB 401 between Telthonglon and Zeepin village in Phayar Thonzu sub-township. In the clash, two soldiers were killed on the spot on Burmese Army side.

The BGF 1016 is led by Maj. Saw Myat Khine, who is the former commander of battalion no.3 under the DKBA 999 brigade.