An estimated 300 soldiers of the junta are marching to the west of Demawso Township in Karenni State on the morning of May 9th, crossing Sibu village in Phalkhone Township in Southern Shan State via Thandaunggyi Township in Karen State, according to a statement by the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) on June 9th.

On June 7th, more than 20 military vehicles carrying more than 300 soldiers and rations left Taungoo for Thandaunggyi Township in Karen State via Laketho-Thauyaykhat-Yardo road.

They spend one night at Yardo village which is normally under the control of the KNU Taungoo District Brigade-2.

On June 8th, the army spent one night near Sibu area in Phalkhone Township in southern Shan State where the Kayan New Land Party’s Headquarters is located.

A local said: “A military vehicle carrying around 30 soldiers first headed to Demawso. Now more than 300 soldiers are marching to Demawso by foot. They are followed by seven vehicles loaded with rations.”

Some locals are fleeing to safer places as they worry that the fighting will take place due to the deployment of more troops.