The joint force of Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and People’s Defence Forces (PDF) forces reportedly raided three locations, including the district police station in Kawkareik Township, Myawaddy District, Kayin (Karen) State in a coordinated action around 10:30 am on 15 August. 

Twelve policemen including one district police major were killed during the three attacks.

KNLA, the White Dragon PDF and the White Tiger Column jointly attacked the district police station, the Myoma police station and the junta security gate in front of a bank. 

“The police have nothing. We just got a few bullets from the station. We left a message to say that if they join us, we won’t attack, and called on them not to work for the military council,” said Captain Kyaw Thet, the leader of the White Tiger Column.

Apart from the death toll in police officers, one legal officer and a member of the office staff were captured alive and six weapons were seized.

The attack lasted only about 15 minutes. In response, Military Council troops are now chasing KNLA troops, according to local residents.

After the attacks, the Military Council fired at least 50 rounds with a heavy weapon and a civilian was seriously injured as a result, according to a statement from the Karen National Union (KNU).