KNLA

A leader of the Karen National Liberation Army has called for continuing the fight for ethnic autonomy, but through peaceful, political means. Speaking on the 67th anniversary of Karen National Martyrs’ Day, General Saw Johnny said Karen autonomy has not yet been realized, and the sacrifice made by Karen martyrs has not yet been fulfilled, but he added that violence…

General Saw Ka Sel Doh, a Karen resistance fighter who joined the Karen Nation Union’s armed wing in the first months of its existence in 1947, has passed away. Gen. Saw Ka Sel Doh, 92, died in Mae Sot Hospital, this morning, on July 31, after months of declining health and hospitalization on July 24, according to his grandson Saw…

On Karen armed forced day last week, one ethnic armed group leader sounded a cautionary note, instructing soldiers to recall that a ceasefire is not the same as peace, while urging them to remain “alert”. “The ceasefire is a political game,” said Lieutenant General Saw Baw Kyaw Heh, speaking at an event commemorating the 68th Karen Armed Forces (Kawthoolei Army)…

Fighting between Karen and Mon soldiers over natural resources and control of territory resulted in one officer wounded by gunfire. The Karen National Liberation Army and the Mon National Liberation Army exchanged fire near Mann Aung village in Ye Phyu Township on December 20 – a deputy company commander from KNLA was wounded. According to sources from both groups, the…

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently gave training on the law of armed conflict (LOAC) to senior military leaders of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Over 40 military leaders from the KNLA under the KNU Brigade 7 attended the training, which was held in an area under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade…

The Karen National Union’s Taw Oo [Taungoo] district burned seized methamphetamine pills worth 400 million Kyat (around USD $350,000) in an event to mark the international Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that was held on June 26. The event was held by the KNU’s armed wing, at the Karen National Liberation Army 2nd Brigade controlled area in Tantabin…

A Karen National Union controlled checkpoint is fuelling tension between the Burma Army in southern Burma. The KNU checkpoint at Htee Khee, in Megui/Tavoy District [Tanintharyi Region] had been ordered by the local Burma Army commander to move out last week. The Burma Army order was given twice – first by a Htee Hta based tactical commander from Military Operations…

Soldiers from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, including a battalion commander, reunited with the Karen National Liberation Army 201 Battalion, Brigade 6th on June 17 in Kawkareik Towship Karen State. The DKBA troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Saw Naw Ku, commander of 908 Battalion, the deputy company commander Captain Saw Koo Nu, Platoon commanders Captain Saw Maw Ploe and Captain…

Local villagers from Maw Kee in Myawaddy District were frightened by gunshot fired Burma army commander near their village. Villagers said the Burma Army was angry in negotiation with villagers when he demanded timber. Burma Army soldiers led by Major Nyunt Win Hlaing from Light Infantry Battalion #62 under Military Operation Command (MOC) #19 and based in Ka Nae Lay,…

A recent meeting between different Karen armed groups reached a decision that the Karen National Union is to lead the groups political agenda. The meeting held on February 29, 2016 at the Karen National Liberation Army’s headquarter in Pa-an District, Karen State is a regular event among the Karen Armed Groups Unity Committee that represents various the KNLA, KNU/KNLA Peace…