Mizzima
The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force-KNDF has confirmed that on the morning of 6 May, joint resistance forces in Karenni State successfully shot down a Military Council supply helicopter in Hpasawng Township, Bawlakhe District, Karenni State.
Saw Ta Eh Soe, the Central News and Information Officer for the KNDF said, “A helicopter en-route to Hpasawng was downed by the Karenni Revolutionary Joint Forces. It is suspected that the helicopter was heading towards Bawlakhe Township, and efforts are underway to locate the crash site.”
According to information from a local source, the joint revolutionary forces brought down the helicopter around 8:00 am. The helicopter was in the process of transporting food and carrying patients to Htoochaung junta outpost near the entrance of Hpasawng when the attack took place.
“The Military Council maintains an outpost at Htoochaung village in Hpasawng. The helicopter was on a mission to transport patients when the resistance group launched an attack during its landing. The helicopter was hit. The extent of the debris and casualties resulting from the incident remains unknown at this time,” said a local source.
The Revolutionary Joint Forces are presently conducting search operations to locate the crash site of the helicopter.
Since 28 February, the joint resistance forces have been engaged in an ongoing offensive against Hpasawng, with the battle continuing unabated.
Hpasawng township shares a border with Mese town, which is under the control of the Karenni revolutionary forces. Currently, to fully secure Hpasawng township, the joint revolutionary forces require additional ammunition, while the Military Council is staunchly opposing relinquishing control.
