On January 28th, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) declared the successful capture of Mawchi town in Hpasawng Township, Karenni State, a significant source of precious mineral ores..

KNDF's statement reported the complete withdrawal of troops from the Junta’s camps, outposts, and bases in the Mawchi area of Hpasawng, noting that this exodus occurred without any clashes or confrontations.

At present, four towns in Karenni State—Mese, Nanmekhon, Mawchi, and Ywathit—are under complete control of the resistance forces.

According to a KNDF information officer speaking to Mizzima, on the night of January 26th, military camps and outposts in Mawchi were abandoned, facilitating the easy takeover by KNDF members.

"From that day on, the entire Mawchi town was under the complete control of the Karenni resistance forces. There are two main Military Council bases in the town—one situated in the city center and the other positioned on the hilltop. The troops of both bases retreated to Hpasawng”, he said.

Government employees affiliated with the Junta are no longer present in Mawchi.

Mawchi is abundant in valuable ores such as wolfram, antimony, and tungsten. Since the 1990s, Mawchi has been consistently producing ores, with the quality of these raw metals often ranking as world-class, reaching levels 1 and 2 in terms of excellence.

"The administration council will oversee the rights and follow-up of the mining operations, with the relevant administrative officers responsible for handling operational and policy matters”, the KNDF spokesperson added.

Due to the absence of any hostilities in Mawchi, residents, businessmen, and workers who had arrived from various parts of the country to engage in the mining industry were not compelled to evacuate and able to reside peacefully in the town, and conduct their business without any disruption.

Mawchi is now free from the Junta's control, but Hpasawng remains under the authority of the Military Council. The KNDF spokesperson stated that operations will continue to secure control over that township.

During 'Operation 1111,' initiated in Karenni State on November 11th, Karenni resistance forces successfully seized over 20 Military Council camps and outposts in Loikaw, Demoso, and Mongpai (Mobye).

in the third week of January, KNDA successfully took control of Ywathit town in Bawlakhe District. Moreover, the resistance forces now exert control over the entry and exit routes of Pekon and Mongpai towns in southern Shan State, adjacent to Karenni State.