The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 6 released a statement about that four Junta soldiers wearing civilian clothes who were arrested during an inspection conducted on the Mawlamyine-Ye-Dawei highway, specifically between Ye Township and Thanbyuzayat Township in Mon State.
The joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and People's Defense Forces (PDF) conducted inspections at three locations along the highway between Ye and Thanbyuzayat on June 18, from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
According to the statement, during the inspection, four soldiers of the Military Council who were wearing civilian clothes and traveling as passengers in a vehicle were arrested.
Prior to the arrests on June 18th the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 6 had released a statement on June 10th comprising four key points. One of the points specifically addressed the drivers of vehicles traveling on the Mawlamyine-Dawei-Myeik No. 8 highway
advising them to refrain from carrying any Military Council troops or their belongings.
According to the statement: travelers along Highway No. 8 are required to comply with several measures. These include vehicles being stopped and inspected by the KNLA, ensuring that vehicles associated with the Military Council are not carrying individuals or materials related to them, prohibiting travelers from riding in vehicles with Military Council troops, and other ethnic armed organizations, and vehicles to be stopped and inspected.
"They conduct inspections primarily targeting individuals who seem suspicious or unfamiliar. They conduct inspections based on such criteria. Such evaluations are carried out to ensure safety. However, if the individuals are from my own village, they do not take any action. They only inquire about the origins of unfamiliar people," explained the person responsible for overseeing the Mawlamyine-Ye express highway.
The KNLA stated that the order was issued in response to the Military Council troops using the public as a shield, while traveling and strengthening their own forces.
According to the statement, the inspection will be carried out as planned, and it is crucial for the public to strictly adhere to the guidelines. The KNLA has made it clear that they will not assume responsibility for any issues that may arise due to non-compliance or violations, during the inspection.
The highway between Ye Township and Thanbyuzayat Township has witnessed frequent skirmishes between the Military Council troops and the People's Defense Forces. Moreover, there have been continuous incidents of attacks on Military Council convoys as well as shooting at civilian cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Local residents have reported casualties occurring between the two sides involved in the fighting along the Ye-Thanbyuzayat highway.
