Myanmar - Operation 1111

In the east, Karenni forces launched Operation 1111 and by December 2023 controled nearly 80% of Kayah state. They were fighting in the capital Loikaw on November 11. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force targeted junta bases in Loikaw University and a prison in the capital of Kayah state. In the following days, the junta army retaliated with airstrikes and shelling, killing 20 civilians, according to the Karenni Human Rights Group. The attacks killed six women and 14 men, including one child.

Junta troops stationed at the university were frequently raiding nearby villages and shelling them with heavy artillery, said Khun Bedu, chairman of Karenni Nationalities Defense Force. The group attacked the prison to free those who had been imprisoned after the military coup. “The fighting broke out around the prison. Our platoon commanders surrounded Loikaw Prison, but our forces did not break out and seize the prison,” he told Radio Free Asia. The junta’s air force prevented the group from freeing any prisoners, he said.

Regime spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun released a statement saying the attack on Loikaw University was a “barbaric act,” but did not comment on the junta’s use of airstrikes near the prison or the killings. Zaw Min Tun said Karenni troops attacked Loikaw University and attempted to take the teachers hostage, according to a pro-junta newspaper. Khun Bedu denied these accusations, saying the attack was carried out because the army was stationed there and that teachers were relocated by Karenni troops during the fighting.

KNDF Deputy Commander Marwi said: "Our primary target is to seize control of Loikaw, which is the command center of the regime [in Kayah State], and to pull down the pillars of the junta’s administrative machinery..... Those involved in the fighting are the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, Karenni Army, Karenni National People’s Liberation Front, People’s Defense Forces [PDFs] from Demoso, Moe Bye, Pekon, Loikaw townships, and some units under the command of the National Unity Government, as well as some local resistance groups. It is fair to say that almost all of the armed groups in Karenni State are involved....

" The ultimate goal of the operation is to drive them out of Karenni State. The operation should enable us to bring the entire Karenni State under our control, install our own administration, and deliver public services to the people.... Operation 1111 is inspired by Operation 1027 [launched in northern Shan State on Oct. 27]. It is important that we launch operations in our respective areas so that a nationwide coordinated attack takes shape on its own. We urge revolutionary groups in other areas to carry out similar operations. We need to help each other, take strength from each other’s success and try to destroy the military dictatorship. We welcome and support the launch of any [anti-regime] operation that takes place. A KNDF battalion had joined Operation 1027. Some of our comrades have died in the fighting there. Our battalions also joined the battle for Kunlong [in northern Shan State]. The KNDF is ready to join all anti-regime operations across the country."