Myanmar rebel group, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), has made the decision to withdraw its troops from the strategic town of Myawaddy along the Thai border. This withdrawal follows a counteroffensive by soldiers of the ruling junta, who reclaimed control of the key trading post that had been seized by rebels earlier this month.
#Myanmar #ethnic #KNU confirms in message to me their army #KNLA & resistance forces withdrew from a part of #Myawaddy that they had captured days ago from #militarycoup regime 275 battalion. This as they allege BGF/KNA linked to regime aided their return #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar pic.twitter.com/NSeAY1R6iN
— May Wong (@MayWongCNA) April 24, 2024
According to a spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), the decision for the “temporary retreat” from Myawaddy was prompted by the return of junta soldiers to the area. Saw Taw Nee, representing the KNU, maintained that the armed wing of the group, the KNLA, remains firm in its stance, declaring, “KNLA troops will… destroy the junta troops and their back-up troops who marched to Myawaddy.”
Calming of the Situation
The conflict in Myawaddy escalated over recent weeks, culminating in intense fighting last Saturday that forced approximately 3000 civilians to flee the area. However, many of the displaced have since returned, signalling calm in the region, as indicated by Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for the ministry, acknowledged that uncertainty persists even though the situation on the Myanmar side of the border has improved. He stated, “Most of the refugees have returned and that reflects that the situation is not getting more violent… we see that things are more peaceful.”
Victorious Display
Photographs circulating on social media platforms depict soldiers raising the Myanmar flag at a military base that was previously under KNU control.
A disappointing sight for #Myanmar: Soldiers back at 275th base in Myawaddy replacing the Karen flag raised by the resistance a week ago with the flag used by the junta. But the battle for Myawaddy seems far from over. 🧵 1/8 #whatshappeninginMyanmar pic.twitter.com/KtlxxmQtjz
— Lorcan (@Lorcan_Lovett) April 23, 2024
Myanmar’s Regional Militia
The junta’s ability to retake Myawaddy was reportedly aided by a regional militia, the Karen National Army (KNA) (formerly, Karen Border Guard Force (BGF)), which has refrained from intervening in Myanmar’s post-coup conflict so far. However, despite the junta’s apparent victory in Myawaddy, the broader conflict between the military government and anti-junta rebels continues across Myanmar.
The junta, facing unprecedented pressure, has lost control of several key frontier areas to rebel groups, further fuelling the political and humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
Neighbouring Concerns
As the conflict in Myanmar shows no signs of subsiding, neighbouring countries like Thailand are increasingly concerned about the its side effects.
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has expressed the government’s willingness to mediate the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to stability to Myanmar and the broader region.
