8-11-2023 (YANGON) Opposition forces have successfully captured Kawlin, a central Myanmar town that serves as a district administrative headquarters, after pushing back the military. This development marks a significant victory for the shadow government and opposition troops, although some analysts caution that holding Kawlin could be a challenge, given its population of around 25,000.
Myanmar’s military is currently grappling with a surge in violence, as forces opposing it, including ethnic minority armies, have launched fresh attacks. This ongoing conflict began after the military unseated a democratically elected government in a coup in 2021.
Last week, opposition troops initiated an attack on junta soldiers in Kawlin, ultimately overpowering them on Monday and taking control of the town, according to the shadow National Unity Government (NUG).
The NUG’s defence ministry shared a video on social media showing soldiers raising the flag of resistance groups aligned with the shadow government. “A district level town is under our control now,” stated NUG prime minister Mahn Winn Khaing Thann on social media. “What a groundbreaking victory!”
A junta spokesman did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.
Local media outlet Myanmar Now reported that the town fell after a small group of junta soldiers surrendered following fierce fighting, citing a rebel fighter.
However, Richard Horsey, senior adviser for Myanmar at the non-profit International Crisis Group, warned that maintaining control over Kawlin could be challenging for the opposition. “It’s not that difficult to surge in and overrun a provincial town close to the mountains. But it will be difficult to hold it,” he told Reuters.
A 28-year-old resident of Kawlin, who requested anonymity for security reasons, revealed that they had left the town over the weekend due to intense fighting between the rebels and junta soldiers, who had air support. Many others left the town as well.
Resistance forces have taken control of key establishments in Kawlin, including the police station, district administrative office, and bank, according to the NUG.
The NUG, composed of remnants of Aung San Suu Kyi’s deposed administration and others, has been engaging with democratic nations, including the United States, to seek support in their fight against the powerful military.
In a separate offensive, the NUG reported that its troops, along with their allies, had also taken over another town in Sagaing division, bordering India.
In addition to the NUG, an alliance of ethnic minority armies launched a series of coordinated attacks on junta targets along areas bordering China last month.
Rights groups and UN experts have accused the military of committing atrocities against civilians in its efforts to crush the opposition. The junta, on the other hand, claims it is fighting “terrorists” and has ignored international calls to cease hostilities.
