Nearly 50 junta soldiers surrendered to an ethnic armed group in southern Myanmar, its political wing announced on Tuesday
The Karen National Union’s armed branch, the Karen National Liberation Army, intercepted junta troops in Tanintharyi region’s Myeik township.
Commander Lieutenant Colonel Aung Hein, leading the junta’s Myeik-based Infantry Battalion 103, surrendered to the Karen army’s Brigade 4, according to a statement from the Karen National Union. The Karen National Liberation Army intercepted 48 troops on their way back to regroup in Htee Hta Byu Har junta camp on Monday, while six junta soldiers were killed in the attack.
The group began fighting for territory in Tanintharyi in November 2022. This victory marks a first for the Karen National Liberation Army’s successes in the region, a spokesman for KNLA allies the Myeik District Revolutionary Force told RFA.
“We can say that this surrender was the very first of its kind in Tanintharyi region,” he told RFA, declining to be named for security reasons. “I heard that they surrendered yesterday.”
The troops that surrendered used to conduct military operations in Tanintharyi and Palaw townships, he said, adding that joint Karen National Union and People’s Defense Forces are conducting operations against the army in Dawei and Palaw township.
RFA contacted Tanintharyi region’s junta spokesperson Thet Naing for a comment on the incident, but he did not respond by the time of publication.
Nearly 70 light and heavy weapons were seized and the 48 junta soldiers who surrendered are being held in accordance with international law, the Karen National Union’s statement said.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Seager's RBI groundout and Taveras RBI single lead the Rangers over the Tigers 9
Packers sign former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Andre Dillard
Missouri lawmakers expand private school scholarships backed by tax credits
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
Officer fatally shoots man who confronted him with knife, authorities say
Channel 4 axe raunchy panel show as they make way for wild boundary
Channel 4 axe raunchy panel show as they make way for wild boundary
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Sheetz convenience store chain hit with discrimination lawsuit
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Gordon Ramsay is slated for tiny portion of duck on £260