Several Military Council columns have arrived in Loikaw Township to try to retake the capital of Karenni State sharing the same name from resistance forces who captured most of the town after launching a major offensive in November.

Junta soldiers in civilian clothing have also been spotted in Loikaw town after being sent to spy on resistance forces, a Karenni resistance soldier says. “Burma army soldiers are stealing things from homes in Loikaw and shelling wards with artillery,” he said, advising civilians build bunkers to protect themselves.

Actually, most of the civilians have already fled the town but a few have remained and some have recently returned from displaced camps that have suffered shelling in southern Shan State.

A man with JOBS for Kayah told SHAN that the regime forces arrived in the village of Loilem Lay on May 25 and departed for the town of Daw Ta Naw the next day. Both places are located in Karenni State near Shan State, around three hours drive from Loikaw.

“Their goal is to be deployed in the mountain ranges next to Kayan Thayar, Loikaw, Khin Phonlay, and Kon Tha to control the Loikaw to Mongpai (aka Mobye) road.” They are using military drones and artillery to bomb the area, he said.

On May 29, Karenni resistance groups closed the Loikaw – Demoso road for military and security reasons.