Military ‘re-enters’ Karenni State’s Hpasawng after regime reports it under ‘full’ Naypyidaw control

A source close to the Karenni resistance told DVB that regime forces re-entered Hpasawng town in Karenni State on Sunday after regime media reported that the military regained “full control” of it from Karenni resistance forces on Feb. 15.

The source told DVB that the military used “overwhelming” force in its counteroffensive against resistance forces in Hpasawng, using support from the Myanmar Air Force, as well as artillery and drone strikes. Resistance forces added that the military used “suicide” drones, which are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that detonate upon impact, in ongoing fighting since Aug. 19.

Hpasawng is located 73 miles (117 km) south of the Karenni State capital Loikaw. The military launched its counteroffensive against resistance forces in Hpasawng, following the recapture of Demoso town, located 63 miles (101 km) north of Hpasawng.

A Hpasawng resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that use of the bridge over the Thanlwin River, located two miles (3 km) south of the town, has been restricted by Karenni resistance forces since Feb. 12.

Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) Deputy Commander Maui Pho Thaike told DVB that resistance forces had captured the regime’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 134 in Hpasawng on July 2 after they “besieged” the regime’s sole remaining LIB 135 outpost on June 25.

Sources in Hpasawng told DVB that regime forces inside LIB 135 have received reinforcements and ammunition shipments to allow it to continue fighting off a Karenni resistance attack.

Regime media reported that the bodies of an unspecified number of “terrorists” were recovered, along with “17 arms” during “31 clashes” with resistance forces. It didn’t disclose the number of regime troops killed.

Karenni resistance forces also didn’t share the number of its casualties. Karenni’s Demoso, Hpruso, Bawlakhe and Loikaw townships are under regime control with Hpasawng being contested between regime and resistance forces. Mese and Shadaw townships are under Karenni resistance control. Karenni State has a total of seven townships.