DKBA Officer Shot Dead in Phayargone Town

Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) was shot dead in Phayargone Town, Kyaikmaraw Township, Karen State, on the Myanmar-Thailand border, according to local sources. Around 7 AM on June 27, while Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw of the DKBA and a woman were riding a motorcycle in the Udawngkan section of Phayargone Town, an assailant fired six shots at them. Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw died at the scene from gunshot wounds, and the woman accompanying him sustained gunshot wounds to her thigh, a local resident said. The resident added, "Initially, we didn't know who was shot. Later, we learned it was Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw of the DKBA." It is not yet known which armed group carried out the assassination of Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw of the DKBA in Phayargone Town, where various armed groups are active, according to the local resident. It is understood from city residents that the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) is leading security efforts in Phayargone Town, Kyaikmaraw Township, Karen State. In addition, ethnic armed organizations such as the Karen National Union (KNU), Karen Peace Council (KNU/KNLA – PC), Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), and New Mon State Party (NMSP) are present, as well as other armed groups.