Guerrilla fighters from Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority, specifically the Karen National Liberation Army, are close to taking over the major trading town of Myawaddy on the border with Thailand. The occupation of Myawaddy would be a significant blow to the military government under Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, as it is Myanmar’s most active trading post with Thailand. The recent defeats suffered by the military since October, when an alliance of three ethnic rebel groups launched an offensive, have put pressure on the government. The nationwide conflict began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
Residents of Myawaddy have reported hearing no sounds of fighting since Sunday afternoon, indicating that the situation may be escalating quickly. Many residents are preparing to flee to Mae Sot, just across the border in Thailand. The Thai government has confirmed that approval was given for flights from Yangon to Mae Sot to transport passengers and cargo, and is closely monitoring the situation along the border to maintain peace and order. Thailand has a history of granting shelter to Myanmar villagers during times of fighting, as well as hosting long-term refugee camps for displaced individuals.
The KNU, the leading political body for the Karen minority, claimed to have seized the army base on the road to Myawaddy and said that 617 members of the security forces and their families surrendered. Negotiations were underway for the surrender of an army garrison to the west of Myawaddy and an artillery battalion to the south. The Karen rebels have control of a significant portion of Myawaddy township and are likely to capture the town itself once these bases surrender or are overrun. The Karen, like other minority groups in border regions, have been fighting for greater autonomy from Myanmar’s central government for decades.
The intensified fighting between the army and Karen armed groups after the military takeover in 2021 has led to loose alliances between ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy militias against the military government. The Karen rebels offer refuge to civilian opponents of the military government and have gained control of strategic locations in the border regions. The military government under Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has acknowledged its pressure and recently introduced conscription to boost its ranks. The fall of Myawaddy to the Karen National Liberation Army would be a significant victory for the ethnic minority groups in their struggle for autonomy.
