Military News

1. The Karenni Joint Forces were able to shoot down a Mi-17 helicopter of the Military Council in Hpasawng

On May 6 at 11:45 a.m., the Karenni Nationalities People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF) Tactical Operation Command 1 reported shooting down a Mi-17 helicopter belonging to the military council in Hpasawng Township, Karenni State. The helicopter was targeted as it arrived to deliver reinforcements to the remaining Infantry Battalions IB-134 and IB-135 stationed in Hpasawng.

Key details from the incident include:

• The Mi-17 helicopter was shot down using 0.8 automatic rifles.
• It had come to reinforce the military council forces at IB-134 and IB-135 positions in Hpasawng.
• The helicopter crashed in Bawlakhe Township after being hit by KNPLF forces.
• The KNPLF released a video showing comrades firing at the helicopter, but did not show footage of the wreckage.

This incident marks another significant blow to the military council’s efforts in Karenni State, where ongoing clashes have occurred as part of the KNPLF’s campaign to capture the remaining military positions in Hpasawng since February.

Previously, on June 30, 2023, the KNPLF had successfully shot down a K-8W fighter jet of the military council, which crashed near Ywar Thit Sub-Township in Bawlakhe Township, Karenni State. Additionally, during the ‘1111 Operation’ on November 11, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) had also shot down a military council fighter jet in Karenni State.

These actions demonstrate the ongoing military engagements and the KNPLF’s efforts to resist and weaken the military council’s presence in Karenni State.

2. The KIA retrieved the Gidung hill camp where the military council troops were stationed

Kachin KIA military sources reported a significant victory on May 6, as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) successfully recaptured the Gidung hill camp in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, which had been under the control of the military council for the past 7 years. Here are the key details:

• The KIA-led revolutionary forces launched an offensive against the Gidung hill military camp on May 4.
• The camp was completely captured by the KIA on May 6.
• Gidung hill camp is strategically important and was previously captured by the military council from the KIA in 2016, which had celebrated this victory at that time.
• The recapture of Gidung hill camp after 7 years is seen as an encouraging victory for the Kachin people by KIA military sources.
• Over the past two months, the KIA has reportedly attacked and captured more than 90 camps belonging to the military council.

This victory represents a significant turn of events in the ongoing conflict in Kachin State, demonstrating the KIA’s resilience and determination in reclaiming territory held by the military council.

3. The outpost at Kyun Le (Pyu) Village, Taze Township, was captured

On May 6, Taze People’s Defense Force 25 (Shwebo District Battalion 25) conducted a successful operation along with Taze Township PaKaFa, resulting in the storming and attack on the outpost located at Kyun Le (Pyu) Village. Here are the details of the operation:

• The joint forces stormed the outpost and set it on fire during the battle to capture it.
• At least 10 Pyu Saw Htee militia members were reported to have died on the spot, while some others fled in disarray.
• During the intense fighting, two comrades from Shwebo District Battalion 25 sustained non-critical injuries, and unfortunately, one comrade lost their life in the line of duty.
• Following the capture of the outpost, the forces seized significant weaponry and equipment from the enemy, including 1 MA1 gun, 1 G3 gun, 3 carbines, 7 cannons, grenades, landmines, 7.62 ammunition, 5.56 ammunition, and various other enemy supplies.

This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of local defense forces to reclaim territory and disrupt the military council’s operations in the region.

4. The junta troops stationed near Aung Chan Thar Village, Natogyi Township, were bombed with drones

Natogyi People’s Defense Force (Myingyan District Battalion 4) reported a successful drone attack on May 5, targeting junta troops near Aung Chan Thar Village in Natogyi Township. Here are the details of the operation:

• At approximately 4:00 p.m., the drone attack was carried out on junta troops estimated to be around 25 members strong.
• The attack involved the deployment of 4 drop bombs against the junta position.
• As a result of the drone strike, 4 junta soldiers were confirmed to have been killed.
• Additionally, 2 junta soldiers sustained serious injuries during the attack.

This operation marks another instance of effective use of drone technology by local defense forces to target and disrupt military council activities in the region.

5. The public welcomed the comrades who returned from the front line of the battle to capture Kyindwe Town with Eugenia Sprig

Chin Defence Force – Mindat (CDF-Mindat) recently shared documentary photos depicting the warm reception given to Chin revolutionary comrades returning from the city capture battle of Kyindwe in Kanpetlet Township, Chin State. Here are the details of the event:

• Date and Event: On May 5, the public enthusiastically welcomed the returning comrades with Eugenia sprigs, symbolizing victory, and provided them with juice to celebrate their return.

• Statement from CDF-Mindat: The CDF-Mindat Information and Records Department expressed deep gratitude to the local community for their warm reception and support of the comrades.

• Background of the Battle: The operation to capture Kyindwe began on December 23, 2023, with joint forces including CDF Kanpetlet, People’s Defense Force (PDF) battalions from Gangaw and Minbu districts, and other allied forces. This operation was part of the broader ‘Chin Brotherhood Operation’ launched on March 7, where the Chin Brotherhood forces, along with allies like the Arakan Army (AA), intensified efforts and successfully captured Kyindwe on April 29.

• Commander’s Statement: Commander Naitam of CDF-Mindat expressed gratitude via social media to PDF battalions from Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay regions, as well as the Arakan Army (AA), for their crucial participation in the battle for Kyindwe.

This event underscores the solidarity and collaborative efforts among various resistance groups in Myanmar, working together towards common objectives in their struggle against the military council.

Updated