PUBLISHED: 14 Apr 2024 at 05: 30
The Karen National Union (KNU) states that it is committed to establishing cross-border surveillance and working with Thailand and global organizations to guarantee peace and safety on both sides of the border.
The KNU claimed in remarks made last Friday that the anti-junta forces had taken many foundations, including the 275th Infantry Battalion in Myawaddy next Wednesday.
According to the statement, they are conducting military operations to capture, wall, and hinder support soldiers ordered by the military authorities to retake the village.
When the Myawaddy area is secured, the KNU, with the participation of local people, may create an administrative system to stop illegal activities, enforce laws, provide essential public services, and enable the transport of commodities to the Myawaddy area, it said.
The KNU has also expressed concerns about the safety of residents who reside on both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border.
It has pledged to do everything in its power to bring humanitarian aid to the country, establish cross-border security and stability, and collaborate with Thailand and other international organizations to bring peace and security.
Meanwhile, the 1st Thai- Myanmar Friendship Bridge and the 2nd Thai- Myanmar Friendship Bridge along with their checkpoints remained open on Saturday , amid tightened security measures. A sizable influx of Myanmar residents fleeing the trouble is a priority for the Thai government.
A senior KNU official declared that border checkpoints would continue to be used for border trade and travel. Tourists from Myawaddy traveled through the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to Mae Sot and other tourist destinations to celebrate the Songkran festival.
However, there was little noise at the Myanmar Friendship Bridge’s 2nd Thai-Myanmar border, where on Friday evening gunfire and explosions were sirens were audible.
Members of the media were instructed to leave the area for their safety by Thai security forces stationed at the bridge.