MYANMAR
Karenni forces take two key locations in Kayah State

A month after Operation 1111 began, ethnic militias reportedly overwhelm junta forces, and are now close to complete control of the state capital, Loikaw, and Moebye, a strategically important township. Meanwhile, the civilian death toll continues to rise: At least 82 have been killed since the start of the offensive.

Yangon (AsiaNews) – A month after the start of the military offensive against Myanmar’s army in Kayah State, ethnic Karenni forces have taken control of the capital Loikaw and the strategic township of Moebye, the Karenni Army (KA) reported.

Together with the Karenni National Defence Force (KNDF) and the People's Defence Force, a paramilitary movement opposed to the junta, KA launched Operation 1111 in the border area between Shan and Kayah.

A KA source told Radio Free Asia (RFA) that the rebels control “all of Moebye township”, with the exception of an area held by Battalion 422, and "80% of the city of Loikaw".

"We are carrying out attacks very cautiously to avoid civilian casualties and damage," said Colonel Phone Naing. “We will first remove all the junta troops, then we will set up an administrative mechanism there.”

One of the “pillars of the junta", the Kayah State Police Headquarters, under the control of the Myanmar Home Affairs Ministry, was demolished.

While waiting to set up an administration to replace the junta, the militias have taken control of security to protect the population.

For political analyst Than Soe Naing, Loikaw’s strategic importance is crucial for the control and supply of other cities in Kayah State.

Recently, the junta blocked humanitarian aid from reaching the population, even going so far as to occupy the cathedral in an attempt to punish rebels and civilians and shield themselves in a sacred place.

“The city is almost under control,” the analyst said. “However, it cannot be said that it has been fully controlled as the main camp is still in the hands of the junta, and they are still using Loikaw airport for reinforcements and other military supplies.”

Meanwhile, the Karenni Humanitarian Aid Initiative (KHAI) is reporting that at least 82 civilians died between 11 November (start of Operation 1111) and 8 December: 39 men, 18 women, 12 minors, two novice monks, and 11 people who could not be identified.

Of these, 43 were killed by artillery shelling, 24 in airstrikes, and 15 by small arms fire. KHAI said the junta carried out 353 airstrikes on Loikaw over 20 days between 11 and 30 November, with about 10,000 people trapped without means of escape.

A KHAI member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that those displaced by the fighting in Kayah State are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.