Karen Resistance Repels Myanmar Junta Attacks to Regain Asia Highway

Myanmar junta forces have launched a counteroffensive to regain control of the remaining 43-kilometer stretch of the Asian Highway border-trade route in Karen State. Two columns of troops—from No. 12 Military Operations Command and Light Infantry Battalion 97—are advancing east from Kawkareik toward the border town of Myawaddy, triggering fierce clashes with Karen resistance forces.

“Fighting is occurring every day,” said a source close to the resistance.

The renewed push follows the junta’s recapture of the highway between Kyondoe and Kawkareik during Operation Aung Zeya—a national-level counteroffensive led by regime No. 2 Soe Win —in late July. However, the troops failed to reclaim the strategic Thingannyinaung base, the gateway to Myawaddy, which remains under Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) control.