A Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) deputy battalion commander from Battalion 3 was killed during intense clashes in open terrain near the Mongpai (aka Mobye) Dam, where they are exposed to airstrikes in southern Shan State.

A local source close to the resistance groups highlighted the absence of hills or jungle near the dam site, leaving them vulnerable to enemy fire from the regime’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 422. The KNDF and other resistance fighters have been engaging them in the area in Paikhun Township for three weeks, during which both sides have suffered casualties.

Another local source, declining to be named, reported that the KNDF commander and 24 Karenni soldiers have perished and many soldiers were injured. “There were many casualties in the Burma army, too,” he pointed out, adding that with fighting ongoing, there will likely be more.

The Burma army has intensified airstrikes in the area after sustaining significant losses in battle.

Military supporters claimed on Facebook that resistance fighters killed the wives and families of LIB 422 during a raid on the apartment blocks where they reside in Mongpai, urging the regime to send reinforcements to aid the soldiers trapped in the town.

If the resistance groups can dislodge LIB 422, they will have full control of Mongpai located along the highway to Karenni State. Currently, they have encircled the enemy, and some military analysts predict they could capture Mongpai within days.

There are also indications that the regime is preparing for an operation in Soung Pyoung, Tawng Mae Thinn, and Nawng Woe areas.

On Saturday, six people, including two children, were killed by a junta jet fighter in Kon Tha village near Loikaw town in Karenni State. At least six others were injured in the attack.