CNI News

8 November 2023

Actions should be taken action to minimize the affect on locals in Kawlin Township, Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News.

After combined force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Arakan Army (AA), and Kawlin People’s Defense Force had captured Kawlin, it was impossible for town residents to go on living in the town. 

Moreover, the Tatmadaw would launch an offensive again, he said. The combined force has announced that they have attacked and captured Kawlin Town.

" After the combined force has captured Kawlin, it's difficult for residents to go on living. The Tatmadaw might launch a counter-offensive mainly by airstrikes. So, residents gave to flee to safety. when they flee, they need other necessities. They need to be protected from other dangers. When we provide necessary assistance, some of them lost their lives." said Sai Kyi Zin Soe to CNI News.

While seeing PDF troops touring the city of Kawlin by motorcycle

Rather than conquering the city of Kawlin, it would be more important to maintain it in the long term and it was necessary to help IDPs regardless of enemy or friend, he added. The National Unity Government (NUG) stated that PDFs and its allies successfully captured Kawlin City on the sixth of November 2023.

Because the Tatmadaw was able to re-capture Kawlin at any time, it might not attack as a priority, Dr. Aung Myo, a Myanmar political commentator told CNI News.

" To tell you the truth, the Tatmadaw will launch a counter-offensive. But I'm not sure whether it might be priority or not. The Tatmadaw can re-capture Kawlin at any time. 

While seeing somewhere in Kawlin

Because the railway there is not used, the Tatmadaw might attack as a priority. It will carry out to make the Chinese-Myanmar trade route re-open as a priority, I think." he said.

About 50,000 residents had to flee to safety because of Kawlin Battle and about 10 civilians were killed during the battle, according to the statement released by Kawlin revolutionary elements.

Moreover, IDPs were in need of edible oil, fuel, medicine, blanket, shelter and basic foodstuff, said in the statement.