The Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) Brigade 5 killed 118 junta soldiers during clashes in August, almost double the number it killed in July, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the rebel group.
There were a total of 133 clashes between the brigade and the Myanmar military in Karen State’s Hpapun last month, the group said, during which another 68 junta soldiers were injured, including a battalion commander.
Just five KNLA soldiers were injured in the clashes, the group said, though it did not give details of fatalities on its side. In July, Brigade 5 killed 65 junta soldiers in Hpapun and injured 101, including a battalion commander.
The number of clashes in July – 130 – was almost the same as in August despite the large difference in the number of fatalities.
Territory controlled by Brigade 5 has seen the most intense fighting out of all the places where the Karen National Union (KNU), the KNLA’s political wing, is active. The junta has launched attacks in every KNU territory except for land controlled by Brigade 4.
The KNU has suffered very few casualties compared to the junta because of its familiarity with the local terrain and its use of guerilla style tactics.
Brigade 5 said in Tuesday’s statement that junta forces in its territory have shelled rice paddy fields 120 times, burned down six houses and beat three civilians, killing one. The junta has also sent aircraft to survey the region five times, it said.
Villages within Hpapun, which is also known as Mutraw and was bombed by the junta in March, were told last week to expect more airstrikes.
