Shells land in Thailand damaging houses in southern Myawaddy clash

Artillery shells fired by Myanmar junta forces landed on the Thai side of the border, damaging several houses during ongoing clashes in southern Myawaddy Township near the Thai-Myanmar border, according to a border military source. During the clash on the morning of 2 August, approximately five heavy artillery shells fired by junta troops landed and exploded in Mae Kon Ken village, Thailand, damaging five houses and a monastery building. Thai authorities evacuated local residents along the border to safer areas and tightened security measures as a result. Despite a three-day lull around Phalu and Min Let Pan villages, intense clashes resumed on 2 August between junta troops and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) joint forces. During the battle, the junta deployed three jet fighters and one Y-12 aircraft to drop bombs, including 500-pound bombs. Clashes continued around Phalu on 3 August, according to the military source. Fighting escalated on 7 July as the junta launched offensives along at least three routes, deploying thousands of troops from Military Operations Command (MOC-13) and Light Infantry Division (LID-22). Junta soldiers have frequently defected or sought refuge with opposition forces during the clashes, according to statements by the KNLA joint forces. The junta has been launching offensives since late last year to recapture border outposts lost to the KNLA joint forces and to regain full control of the Thai-Myanmar border. However, it has failed to secure the territory due to blockades and counter-attacks by the KNLA joint forces. The post Shells land in Thailand damaging houses in southern Myawaddy clash appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM.