The Military Council is launching a massive offensive, accompanied by intense shelling and airstrikes, to regain control of the areas around Hpasawng Township in Karenni (Kayah) State, according to a spokesperson of the local People’s Defence Force (PDF-Hpasawng).

On July 21st, four columns of the Military Council, comprising approximately 300 troops, launched an attack on Shan Wan Ong and Kyauk Pan Nyo villages on the eastern side of Thanlwin Bridge in Hpasawng Township, resulting in a fierce battle against PDF-Hpasawng.

"On July 22nd, three of their columns attacked Kyauk Pan Nyo where we were stationed, while Shan Wan Ong was targeted by another column. The enemy's force was substantial, leading to three consecutive battles that morning. By midday, they launched a coordinated assault with four airstrikes and heavy shelling, attempting to overpower and advance past our position”, a spokesperson for PDF-Hpasawng told Kantarawaddy Times.

During the Battle of Kyauk Pan Nyo, Saw Nobel (also known as Arnold), a courageous resistance fighter, tragically lost his life when he was struck by artillery fired by the Military Council.

"We fought relentlessly, but sadly lost Comrade Arnold. The unyielding heavy shelling and airstrikes left us with no choice but to retreat, ultimately leading to the relinquishment of Kyauk Pan Nyo village”, the spokesperson said.

Following intense fighting, the Military Council has successfully captured and presently stationed forces in Shan Wan Ong and Kyauk Pan Nyo villages, where they have commenced burning several houses, he added.

On the morning of July 24th, there were no active hostilities in Hpasawng, yet local residents reported an immensely tense military situation in the area.

"It seemed evident that the enemy aimed to retake the lost outposts, and we noticed their troops present in Pantein village. It appears they are utilizing these forces for reinforcement and are conducting operations to regain control of the territories”, the spokesperson expressed his opinion.

Since June 14th, clashes erupted east of Thanlwin Bridge in Hpasawng Township, prompting residents to flee the area.

In the recent clashes that began on July 21st, PDF-Hpasawng, the Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF), the 20th Battalion of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), and the Karenni Revolution Union (KRU) united their efforts to resist the invading Military Council.

As a result of the fighting, a minimum of 3 villages were entirely displaced, and the Military Council launched airstrikes on at least 9 occasions.