“Evening Military News”
1. KNLA and KNDO Recapture Maw Kee Lu Military Base in Hpa-An District
On May 16 at 5:30 AM, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 7 and the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) recaptured the Maw Kee Lu military base in Thar Kyar Township, Hpa-An District, from SAC’s Infantry Battalion 24. The offensive began on the morning of May 15 and the base was seized a day later, according to a KNU statement.
2. Resistance Fighter Killed by SAC Artillery During Interrogation
On May 16 around 12:30 PM, members of the Phoenix DF under PDF Battalion 1 (P23801) in Thayarwaddy District went to Kan Su village to warn two SAC informants, Khaing Gyi and Aung Kyaw San, not to continue collaborating with the military.
While being warned, Aung Kyaw San ran off pretending to fetch water, followed by Khaing Gyi. Aung Kyaw San escaped, but Khaing Gyi was recaptured at 1:21 PM. While being interrogated on a hill between Kan Su village and Si Sone Kone, SAC troops fired heavy artillery from across the river. A shell landed directly on the interrogation site, killing Khaing Gyi instantly. The resistance fighters escaped with only minor injuries.
3. Drone and Artillery Attack Near Inn Won Village Kills 1 Civilian, Injures 3
On May 16 at around 12:40 PM, SAC forces launched a drone and artillery attack near Inn Won Village, Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region, despite no clashes occurring in the area. One civilian was killed, three were injured, and a civilian vehicle was destroyed by fire. The attack was reportedly launched from the SAC’s Department of Border and Ethnic Affairs office across the river in Tha Hton town.
4. Six Civilians Including a Christian Pastor Killed by Artillery in Ngalone Tin Village
On May 15 at around 8:30 PM, SAC forces launched an artillery strike on Ngalone Tin Village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, despite no fighting in the area. The shells struck residential areas, killing six civilians, including a Christian pastor.
5. New SAC Soldier Defects in Hsihseng with Grenades
On May 15, a new SAC recruit from the 18th Rapid Deployment Battalion based in Hsihseng, southern Shan State, defected to the resistance. According to the People’s Defense Force–Chauk (Thakin Pho Hla Gyi group), the soldier brought three grenades and fled while being transported to the Mawlamyine frontline.
He had previously been arrested in Chauk on February 16 during conscription round 10 and was sent to the No. 3 Advanced Training School in Kyaukhtu.
6. 10 SAC Soldiers Flee After Surrendering to MNDAA; 3 Recaptured
Ten SAC soldiers who had surrendered to the Kokang army (MNDAA) under oath later fled with their weapons on May 10, heading toward Kwan Lone mountain. MNDAA forces pursued and recaptured three of them. These soldiers had initially surrendered in Lashio and were later found to have moved family members from Lashio prison to Laukkai, some of whom were released.
7. Nearly 3,000 Civilians Displaced by SAC Attacks in Kyaukkyi Township
According to the KNU, ongoing SAC attacks have displaced 2,721 civilians in Kyaukkyi Township, Doo Tha Htoo (Thaton) District. The military has been targeting civilian villages with airstrikes and heavy artillery, causing mass displacement from Win Kan, Bo Khat, Kyauk Yae Twin, Kalaw Myoung, Shan Su, and Anyar Su villages.
A total of 654 households—1,283 men and 1,438 women—have fled for safety. On May 14, SAC troops fired seven 120mm shells from Infantry Battalion 310 into villages, while SAC forces in Waw Township also fired four 122mm shells. Jet fighters dropped two bombs in Shwegyin Township at 11:52 AM and one more in Kyaukpyar village tract at 12:03 PM. On May 13 at 9:12 PM, three 122mm shells were also fired with no prior clashes.
8. Frontline Fighters Appeal for Medical Aid Due to Skin Diseases
Frontline fighters from PDF Battalion 6 in Minbuu District reported severe skin conditions due to changing weather and lack of clean water. Around 70% of fighters are suffering from skin infections, leading to swelling and difficulty walking. They are appealing for donations of medicines or funds from the public to help treat these conditions.
