Heavy fighting between security forces and joint forces of the KNU and PDF has occurred from 7:30 am on October 21 in Kawkareik, Kayin State and the firing on both sides is continued until around 12:00 pm, according to locals.

“Starting around 7:30 in the morning, we heard gunshots and the sounds of heavy weapons coming from the side of the iron bridge, the entrance of Kawkareik town from the Myawady side. Heavy shells landed in the town. There are also reports of attacks targeting departmental buildings in the city. In the city, there were also heavy shells landed, and shootings occurred. At least three people are reportedly dead. I heard that there are also injured people. Many residents are planned to evacuate,” said a resident.

He continued, “I heard that the battle between 7:30 am and 10:00 am was very intense. The report said the KNU and PDF attacked the security forces using excessive forces. The security forces are attacked them back with aerial support”.

Currently, there are exchanges of fire until about 12:00 pm on October 21. As for the residents of Kawkareik, there are people who are hiding in the bomb shelters and there are also people who have come out of the city. There are damages to the houses and buildings and the details of the situation are still unknown, according to residents.

According to subsequent reports, the Kawkareik Township Police Station was raided, some police officers were killed and the prisoners escaped, and the office of the Kawkareik Township General Administration Department was also raided, sources from local said. It has not yet been independently confirmed.