[Tee tiong huat]

Lay Kay Kaw, a town built in 2015 to mark peace between govt & Karen National Union (KNU), the oldest ethnic armed organization in Myanmar, was also captured. The KNLA is one of the two armed wings of KNU.victory over Swe Taw Kone is now easier for anti-regime to transport troops supplies. But junta, Myawaddy has become more vulnerable its other camps along border are cut off.
Anti-regime groups were close to capturing Myawaddy town in April. However, O Aung Zeya by military regime compelled them to change tactics & defend themselves in the Dawna Range. KNLA & allies laid siege to Swe Taw Kone, a command base overseen by colonel from 44th Light Infantry Division, in March. An artillery battery, including two 120 mm mortars, attached to base with around 120 troops were deployed.

Base fell on Oct 17 after 7-mths. KNLA troops at frontline / Cobra Column alongside KNLA, with PDF columns & anti-regime including 5 drone units, took part in fighting. 4 junta soldiers were killed. Following mediation by Karenn/Karen State Border Guard Force (BGF), junta abandoned base & withdrew to Myawaddy where 44th Light Infantry Division commander is based, fall of Swe Taw Kone, regime only 6 camps controlled South Eastern Command along Moei River on Thai-Myanmar border, a few columns commanded by 44th Light Infantry Division commander & Infantry Battalion 275 stationed in Myawaddy town.

KNLA forces briefly captured HQ of Infantry Battalion 275 in Myawaddy in April b4 regime retook battalion with help of its allied Karen State BGF. Residents say regime has airdropping reinforcements, food supplies to Myawaddy town.
Hundreds of junta troops sent as reinforcements to Myawaddy as part of Op Aung Zeya have been stuck near Taw Naw Waterfall in Dawna Range since late April are still unable to break defense line of the KNLA and allies.

Supported by the Thai government and BGF, the regime will try to retain its control of Myawaddy town. However, it appears that the KNLA and allies are not targeting Myawaddy town this time. They apparently plan to take down junta positions along the border one by one. KNLA & allies seized 3 bases, including Swe Taw Kone, Kyaik Don and Thingan Nyi Naung in territory of KNU Brigade 6, have been attacking 4th base, Anan Kwin in Kyarinseikkyi Township, Karen State. Their next target maybe Waw Lay camp on Thai-Myanmar border. Base is innermost base among junta’s bases along border. If can capture Waw Lay, it will be easier for them to seize other camps.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analys...iland.html