Guerrilla fighters from Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority, specifically the Karen National Liberation Army, claimed on Monday to be close to seizing control of the major trading town of Myawaddy, which borders Thailand. The Karen fighters have been seizing or besieging army outposts on the town’s outskirts in their effort to take control. This potential victory would be just the latest in a series of defeats suffered by the Myanmar army since October, when an alliance of ethnic rebel groups launched an offensive that has seen the military losing control in various regions.
The conflict in Myanmar began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed peaceful protests seeking a return to democratic rule. Since then, there have been widespread protests and clashes between various armed groups and the military. The recent pressure on the military has led to the introduction of conscription to bolster their ranks, as they face ongoing challenges in different parts of the country.
The situation in Myawaddy has escalated to the extent that reports indicate that military and civil servants loyal to Myanmar’s military government are preparing to flee the besieged town. The Thai government has granted approval for flights to evacuate people from Yangon to Mae Sot. The Foreign Ministry of Thailand is closely monitoring the situation along the border and is ready to take necessary action to maintain peace and order to ensure the safety of people residing in the area.
The Karen National Union, the leading political entity for the Karen minority, has been involved in the offensive that has seen hundreds of security forces surrender and seek shelter with the Karen forces. The Karen guerrillas have surrounded key army garrisons near Myawaddy and are engaged in negotiations for the surrenders of these forces. The ongoing conflict between the military and ethnic rebel groups, including the Karen, has intensified since the military takeover, as these groups seek greater autonomy from the central government.
The situation in Myawaddy has caused widespread concern, with residents preparing to flee and tensions escalating as the Karen forces gain control of strategic locations in the town. The ongoing conflict underscores the deep-rooted issues of ethnic divisions and struggles for autonomy that have plagued Myanmar for decades. The Karen, like other ethnic minority groups, have long sought greater autonomy and have intensified their efforts in response to the military’s seizure of power.
The potential fall of Myawaddy to the Karen forces would mark a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, as the military faces mounting pressure from various regional ethnic groups and pro-democracy forces. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the conflict between the military and the ethnic rebel groups continues to escalate, posing significant challenges for stability and peace in the region.
