Driver killed as military, KNLA clash along Myawaddy-Kawkareik stretch of Asia Highway

12 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
12 March 2022, Myawady, Kayin State 

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), has been ongoing along the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asia Highway in Kayin State since Saturday morning. 

Coalition forces led by the KNLA in KNU Brigade 6 territory attacked a 100-strong military contingent marching along the Asia Highway near Taw Naw Waterfall, said a local resident in Myawaddy, Kayin State. 

“The Myanmar military was seen entering the Asia Highway in large numbers at around 8 a.m. on March 12. When they [junta soldiers] reached Taw Naw Waterfall, they exchanged fire with the KNLA and the fighting is still going on,” the resident told DMG.

 One driver was reportedly killed and two others were injured in Saturday’s clashes. 

The KNLA coalition forces have warned that traffic was temporarily blocked due to the intensity of the fighting, according to ground sources. 

“The Asia Highway is still closed. Vehicles coming from Myawaddy have to turn back from Thingannyinaung. Vehicles coming from Kawkareik have to turn back from Hlaingwa,” said a driver plying a route between Myawaddy and Yangon.Locals are finding it difficult to return to their homes due to Myanmar military operations and its expansion into KNU Brigade 6 territory.