The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military is fighting to hold on to its last stronghold in Waw Lay, as Karen resistance forces launch a full-scale assault just south of the key border trade hub of Myawaddy.

The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied groups attacked the regime’s command base on Saturday, prompting heavy air and artillery strikes. Resistance sources say the base would already have fallen without the military’s use of air power, drones and continuous shelling.

“This is a full-blown assault to wipe out the regime base in Waw Lay,” a source close to the KNLA told the Irrawaddy, describing suicide drone attacks and mounting casualties on both sides.

The battle marks the climax of weeks of fighting. Resistance units captured outposts in late March, forcing junta troops to retreat to Waw Lay for a final stand. Reinforcements sent from Myawaddy have been pinned down north of the town, with residents fleeing as shells and drones hit villages.

Former army captain turned defector Zin Yaw said capturing Waw Lay would give the KNLA control of rural Myawaddy and Kawkareik townships along the Thai border, confining regime forces to urban centres. That shift could allow resistance fighters greater mobility to threaten bases in Myawaddy and Kawakareik.

The Karen Information Centre reports at least 12 civilians wounded as families escape the fighting. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ratchamanu Task Force has tightened border security after shells landed near Tak Province.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned last week that clashes must not spill into Thailand, as his foreign minister held talks with Myanmar’s regime in Naypyitaw on border security.

The battle for Waw Lay is now seen as a pivotal moment in the wider conflict. If the Karen forces succeed, it would mark another major loss for Myanmar’s military, already struggling to contain resistance across the country.

-2026-04-28

19 hours ago, geovalin said:

Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)

Will they be complaining their way to victory?

May the people eventually annihilate that rabid, toxic Burmese Army, and the drug dealing, sex trafficking, robbing, rapist street trash generals that run it. A pox on their extended families.