According to an official statement on Wednesday, a Myanmar rebel group has pulled back its forces from a town along the Thai border. This move follows a counteroffensive by soldiers aligned with the ruling junta, who recently reclaimed control of the strategic trading post from the rebels.
The Karen National Union (KNU) spokesperson described the withdrawal from the town of Myawaddy as a “temporary retreat.” The town serves as a crucial conduit for annual foreign trade worth over $1 billion. The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the KNU, has vowed to confront the junta troops and their allies who have regained control of Myawaddy.
Recent clashes in Myawaddy forced around 3,000 civilians to flee, with some subsequently returning as the situation eased. The Thai government has urged Myanmar to prevent further spillover of violence across the border.
Photographs circulating on pro-junta social media platforms showed Myanmar soldiers raising their flag at a military base previously held by the KNU. The junta’s counter-offensive to reclaim Myawaddy reportedly received support from a regional militia group, the Karen National Army, which had initially refrained from involvement when the KNU besieged the town earlier in April.
Myanmar’s junta, in power since a coup three years ago, faces increasing challenges as it loses control of key frontier areas to rebel factions.
