KNDF recharging to attack Loikaw again; residents’ concern over battles soar
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NP News - Dec 17
The NP News has reported that the KNDF joint forces are reinforcing their strength for a second attack on Loikaw, Kayah State. However, local residents have expressed their opposition to renewed clashes.
The KNDF and its joint forces launched an offensive on Loikaw on November 11, 2023, under the operation name "1111." This resulted in damages to the homes of local residents, prompting a counteroffensive by the military.
Currently, the State Administration Council is undertaking reconstruction efforts in Loikaw. However, locals have expressed concerns that clashes could potentially resume by 2025, given the prevailing conditions.
A resident of Loikaw commented, “It seems like the KNDF armed joint forces are building up their strength. On this side, it’s the harvest season, and they are likely benefiting from the crops. With this income, they can meet their needs, including food supplies and ammunition. I think they may regroup and launch another attack on Loikaw. Currently, they are targeting peripheral areas like Hpruso, Moebye, and Pekon. Once those areas are secured, Loikaw will be next. That’s my assessment of their intentions.”
He further added that the KNDF joint forces are reinforcing their strength in the nearby regions of Bawlakhe, Hpruso, Hpasawng, Demoso, Moebye, and Pekon, with plans to launch a second assault on Loikaw.
The resident further explained, “I’ve heard that their forces have grown to around 2,000 to 3,000. They are targeting smaller military outposts with fewer troops and gathering weapons from there. This time, it seems civilians might not be able to flee like before. During the last attack, most of those who stayed in the town were military personnel and some civil servants who couldn’t leave. There weren’t even people left to sell phone credit at that time. Because civilians fled in large numbers, the casualties were minimal. But if they can’t escape this time, the town’s residents will inevitably suffer.”
Another local resident also stated that the people of Loikaw completely reject the resumption of clashes in the town. He added that if fighting does break out, residents no longer have any plans or means to evacuate.
The source elaborated, “People here don’t want this to happen again. Some people even say those who bring war here should have never been born. But we can’t say ‘come’ or ‘don’t come’ to them. What we can do is protect our town. Our primary goal is to ensure success and prevent the fighting from reaching the town. We want the clashes to stay in the forests, not in the city. We don’t want unnecessary civilian casualties or the loss of homes and belongings. Even now, we’re still clearing the city from the aftermath of the previous conflict. Mines they planted during the last battle are still causing destruction. If they come again, the people who fled before won’t be able to escape this time. Those displaced in other areas are already facing immense hardships.
Loikaw City experienced many damages due to Operation 1111 launched by the KNDF in 2023 and flooded in previous September.