SAC Losing Grip on Karenni State
By Network Media Group
Friday, December 1, 2023
As resistance forces continue to advance in Loikaw, the regime’s State Administration Council (SAC) finds itself unable to govern the capital town and most of Karenni State, according to Interim Executive Council (IEC), established by anti-regime groups in the state in June.
After the initiation of the 1111 Operation by the resistance in Karenni and southern Shan states on November 11, government offices in Loikaw have ceased functioning. U Aung San Myint, chair of Karenni State Consultative Council (part of IEC), noted that despite the presence of SAC troops in the town, the regime is incapable of conducting basic “executive, legislative, and judicial matters”. “We had control over about 65% of the land in Karenni State before attacking Loikaw.” He emphasized that the military offensive’s objective was to thwart SAC’s administration of the state and they have succeeded even before capturing the town.
IEC general secretary Khu Plu Reh stated, “Loikaw has become a battlefield, halting SAC’s administration there.” All government staff have been relocated following the onset of fighting, resulting in the closure of schools and government offices. Government staff can’t work due to the ongoing conflict.
According to IEC’s second secretary, U Banyar, SAC troops are currently occupying government buildings, where they have constructed bunkers.
Volunteers have reported that over 60 people were killed by regime artillery and jet fighter attacks in Loikaw. On Wednesday, SAC conducted 60 bombings on the town using jet fighters. Resistance fighters and civilian volunteers are working tirelessly to rescue the people who are trapped. While the majority of Loikaw’s population, of over 50,000 residents, have fled to escape the violence, some individuals have chosen to remain despite the violence.
The Karenni resistance is engaged in combat with the SAC in all of the state’s townships: Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, Bawlakhe, Hpasawng, Mese, and Shardaw.
