Myanmar Junta Shells Karen State Villages Following Deadly Resistance Drone Strike
Myanmar junta forces have shelled several villages in southeastern Karen (Kayin) State following a deadly resistance drone attack on an artillery base, local sources and fighters reported.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces launched the September 4 drone strike against an auxiliary artillery battalion under Military Operations Command 12 (MOC 12) near Kawkareik town, killing four junta soldiers and wounding five others.
Following the attack, MOC 12 and nearby Light Infantry Battalions 545 and 536 retaliated with heavy artillery, shelling the villages of Laungkaing, Hparkya, Koetaing, and Hlaingkwei.
Resistance fighters believe the shelling serves as a pre-emptive measure to deter a potential KNLA push along the strategic Kyondoe-Kawkareik highway.
Meanwhile, junta forces have fortified positions and increased day-and-night aerial reconnaissance using jet fighters and Y-12 transport aircraft, heightening local fears of impending airstrikes.
