DKBA issues order prohibiting involvement of troops in clashes in Phalu region

The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) issued a warning and prohibition order on July 29th, prohibiting its troops from participating in the military conflicts occurring in the Phalu region in the southern part of Myawaddy, Karen State. The DKBA's statement indicated that no DKBA unit member should be involved in the military conflicts taking place in the Phalu region, and that any involvement would result in severe punitive action. It is understood from reports by regional news agencies that intense fighting is currently occurring between both sides, as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces are attempting to seize military bases of the Tatmadaw (armed forces) stationed in the border region, after Karen armed groups took control of the Phalu, Minlapan, and Injinyimyaing, Walay regions, located approximately 15 miles south of Myawaddy town. It is in this situation that the DKBA has issued its warning and prohibition order, ensuring that its troops are not involved in the military conflicts occurring in the Phalu region. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Karen armed group, is an ethnic armed organization that has signed the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) and is participating in peace negotiations with the government. On July 9th, the National Unity and Peace Restoration Council (NSPNC) and the DKBA held a meeting in Naypyidaw. Representatives attending the meeting included Chairman of the NSPNC Lieutenant General Ra Pyae, Secretary Lieutenant General Min Naing, members of the coordination committee, DKBA Chief of Staff Saw Shwe Hla, Chief of Staff Saw San Aung, Military Affairs Chief Saw Sein Win, Commander of No. 1 Operational Command Saw Htoo Aung, Tactical Commander Saw Aung Htoo, Head of Economic Affairs Saw Nay Blu, and Deputy Director of Trade Saw Myint Oo. During the meeting, discussions were held on stabilizing the region, regional development, working together with the state government to achieve lasting peace, combating online fraud, preventing terrorist groups from operating in the region, reopening and upgrading schools in the Sonshimyae, Walay, and Kyaukhat regions, supplying textbooks, supplementing teachers, supplying vaccines and medicines for the outbreak of malaria and influenza in villages, ensuring peace and stability in the border region, and facilitating swift and smooth transportation and commodity flow. Following this, coordination was carried out to record the discussions of both sides, and the record was signed and approved.