Karenni Forces Seize Base Between Bawlakhe and Hpasawn in Karenni State
15 October 2024 – Network Media Group
Karenni joint resistance force successfully captured the junta’s Htuchaung hilltop military camp between the towns of Bawlakhe and Hpasawn in Karenni (Kayah) State.
The camp where 30 junta troops were stationed and which is on the border between Bawlakhe and Hpasawn townships was captured 12 October 2024.
According to sources with the revolutionary forces the operation to take the base was a coordinated operation between the People’s Defense Force-Hpasawn (PDF-Hpasawn) and the Karenni Army’s (KA) drone strike team.
A spokesperson for PDF-Hpasawn said: “We had been attacking that camp for several days. Along with our coalition forces’ ground offensive, we used drone warfare to capture it. The junta tried to counter us with drones and aircraft, but by the morning of 12 October, they had completely withdrawn from Htuchaung camp.”
Htuchaung Camp was logistically important to the junta. Troop reinforcements going from from the Tactical Operations Command (TOC) in Bawlakhe Town to Hpasawn Town used to stop at the camp en route.
As they were clearing the camp following the fighting, the resistance fighters seized several small arms, including a 60-mm mortar, but the junta soldiers managed to destroy other weapons before they retreated.
When the junta troops retreated from the base the resistance forces pursued them and injured several of them.
The PDF-Hpasawn spokesperson said: “On the same day their column retreated, we intercepted and attacked them between Bawlakhe and Hpasawn. Some junta troops were injured, but it doesn’t seem like anyone was killed on their side.”
There were no casualties on the side of the defence forces.
Since August, the junta has intensified operations in Karenni State following the deployment of reinforcements. However, Bawlakhe District, which encompasses Bawlakhe and Hpasawn townships, has remained relatively calm compared to other areas.
Now, the junta only holds four bases in Bawlakhe District: the 12-Mile base; the Wammalan base; and the Light Infantry Battalions (LIB) 134 and 135 bases. Karenni resistance forces say they are working relentlessly to also seize these remaining four bases.
