Military tensions rise in southern Myawaddy and Hpa-an, Phlu region battle could be decisive for eastern Karen State

Ayeyarwaddy Times July 3 Military tensions are escalating between the interim government forces and allied revolutionary forces in the areas of Hpa-an, Hpa-an, and southern Myawaddy in Karen State, according to ground sources. In Hpa-an Township, in addition to a base of the interim government army, Infantry Battalions (IB) 32, 283, and 284 are stationed. In the border town of Hpa-an, the interim government army has surrounded the area with approximately 1,000 troops, according to ground sources. Although fighting has not yet intensified on the ground in Hpa-an, there is a possibility that the interim government army may attempt to regain control. Military analysts also predict that pressure from air attacks may increase on the strategic positions in Hpa-an. "The battle in the Phlu region could become a decisive battle. If the interim government army is defeated, it could have military repercussions not only in southern Myawaddy but also in Myawaddy city. Furthermore, the military strategy for the entire eastern Karen State could completely shift to the side of the revolutionary forces," said CDM Major Zin Yaw, who is involved in military analysis. Similarly, in the Phlu and Minlapan regions, approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) south of Myawaddy city, ground fighting may intensify. Revolutionary combined forces that attacked the Waw Lay strategic base have already arrived in the Phlu region. The interim government army has redeployed approximately 700 troops, along with approximately 300 troops from the Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) under the interim government army, totaling about 1,050 troops, according to local sources. If the interim government army suffers further defeat in the Phlu region, it will have direct military repercussions not only in southern Myawaddy but also in Myawaddy city. This situation could lead to the complete loss of the entire Thai-Myanmar border trade mechanism, which is crucial for the interim government, according to a military analyst. Photo: Social Media (old photo) The post Military tensions rise in southern Myawaddy and Hpa-an, Phlu region battle could be decisive for eastern Karen State appeared first on Ayeyarwaddy Times.