KNDF/1/2025 (001)

February 2, 2025

In January 2025, clashes erupted between the Karenni National Defence Force (KNDF) and the Myanmar military regime in several townships across Karenni State. These incidents occurred in Loikaw, Bawlake, Phahsawn, Moe Bye, and Hsesai townships, along the Karenni-Shan border.

The regime engaged in frequent artillery shelling and drone strikes, leading to sporadic clashes In Loikaw Township. Similar sporadic clashes were reported in Phahsawn Township. In Bawlake Township, on January 12th, KNDF and other Karenni resistance Forces ambushed a military column between Maingtham and Wamalan villages, resulting in the deaths of over 10 regime soldiers and the seizure of four weapons.

Along the Karenni-Shan border near Moe Bye, frequent clashes occurred throughout January. Regime forces, particularly those from the Light Infantry Battalion (Ka La Ya) 422 based in Moe Bye, repeatedly attempted to advance into the town, leading to daily confrontations. The regime frequently utilized drones and heavy weaponry. On January 19th, a significant regime offensive targeted Moe Bye, resulting in intense fighting throughout the day. The resistance coalition forces successfully repelled the attack, maintaining control of Moe Bye, although fighting persists.

Additionally, a resistance coalition, including the KNDF, launched an attack and destroyed a regime and PNO outpost situated on a hilltop near Shwe Tagu village in Hsesai Township. The operation resulted in the deaths of over 30 enemy soldiers and the seizure of 28 diverse weapons.

During January’s operations, while valiantly battling the regime’s forces, six of our comrades from the KNDF lost their lives. KNDF will forever honor and remember these courageous fallen comrades.

The regime carried out at least 31 aerial strikes and more than 30 artillery assaults across Karenni and the Karenni-Shan border. These attacks resulted in the fatalities of seven civilians, including two children, and injuries to 14 others, including three children and a pregnant woman.

The regime’s relentless assaults on Moe Bye, employing aircraft, heavy artillery, and drones, resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure. Nearly 30 civilian homes and religious building were severely affected. The regime attacks caused extensive damage to over 38 civilian homes, two schools, and five monasteries in Karenni state and Karenni-Shan border.

During January, combined operations between KNDF battalions and other resistance forces resulted in the deaths of over 30 members of the military regime, according to ground reports.

In January, a deputy lieutenant colonel and nine soldiers, a total of ten regime personnel defected to the KNDF, bringing with them seven firearms.

KNDF Central Information Department

Contact – 09 788 545 273, 09 783 474 652, 09 425 517 594, +66819758770