๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฏ, ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ 18, 2024
The Karen National Union (KNU) has reclaimed its historic stronghold, Manerplaw, after 30 years. On the morning of December 16, joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) successfully captured the Noetday base, referred to as Point-913 by the military, marking a significant victory for the KNU, as Manerplaw once served as its headquarters before falling to junta forces in 1995.
The Point-913 base, located near the Salween River close to the Thai border, falls within KNU Brigade 7 territory. Since November, KNLA joint forces had surrounded and blockaded the base, leading to its eventual capture at approximately 10 a.m. on December 16.
According to KNU military sources, junta troops suffered heavy casualties during the battle, and significant amounts of weapons and ammunition were seized.
The junta troops stationed at nearby outposts, including Kasaw Wah Lay, Phu Law Kone, Myaw Kone, and Kya Gaung Chaung, which were attacked and blockaded by KNU forces in recent months, abandoned their outposts and retreated to Point-913 for a final stand.
Manerplaw, the former headquarters of the KNU, was captured by the Myanmar military and its ally, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), in late January 1995.
Reclaiming Manerplaw is seen as a major victory for the KNU. Padoh Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the KNU, described the recapture as a symbolic and strategic success: โIt has been 30 years since we lost our historic headquarters at Manerplaw. This victory comes at a significant time, and we see it as a Christmas gift for our people. Particularly, it is located in Brigade 7, so they played a critical role in this success, executing a strategic plan over the past few months. Last night, we confirmed the capture of the final stronghold, Point-913."โฉ
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