The Karenni resistance coalition announced on August 8 that they had captured the Yaykyaw military base, strategically located between Bawlakhe and Mae Salong towns in Bawlakhe District, Karenni (Kayah) State.
Khun Palaw Ri, commander of the 5th Battalion of the Karenni Army (KA), told the Kantarawaddy Times that after successfully capturing the junta's hill-based Mae Salong military base, they had been determined to seize the Yaykyaw base as well, and now they have accomplished that mission.
The strategically significant Mae Salong base in Bawlakhe District was captured by the Karenni resistance coalition on June 25. However, the junta troops that retreated from Mae Salong regrouped at the Yaykyaw base and deployed a large force. Now, the resistance forces have successfully taken over the Yaykyaw base as well, he said.
Previously, the troops of the junta's 505th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB-505) under Military Operations Command No. 2 (MOC-2) were stationed at both bases.
Khun Palaw Ri said that when they cleared the Yaykyaw base after the battle, they found 5 dead bodies of the enemy, as well as weapons and ammunition.
Some junta troops from the Yaykyaw base fled to Bawlakhe Town, and there is a possibility that they may regroup and launch a counter-offensive. In response, the Karenni resistance forces are making the necessary preparations.
