KNU Spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee Announces Manerplaw Liberated from Junta Forces 

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 17 December 2024 

Joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) have reclaimed the junta's Point-913 Noetday military camp in Manerplaw, which previously served as the headquarters of the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 7 in Hpa-An District close to the Thai border, as confirmed by KNU spokesperson Padoh Saw Taw Nee to Narinjara News. 

“Our legendary Manerplaw headquarters has reached its 30th anniversary, and we view this as a Christmas gift since it aligns with the festive season,” stated Padoh Saw Taw Nee. "This holds particular importance for our Brigade 7 region. Our troops have been operating discreetly for months, and last night, we verified the capture of the final Point-913 hilltop camp.” 

The Noetday military camp, referred to as Point-913, was initially taken from the KNU in 1995 by forces of the Myanmar junta. On the night of December 16, combined KNLA troops regained control of the area following weeks of ongoing assaults. 

“For clarity, the whole Manerplaw region is now free from junta control. This has been confirmed, and it brings us immense happiness," Padoh Saw Taw Nee stated. 

The assault led to the fatalities of the majority of junta troops based at the camp and the capture of substantial weaponry and munitions, such as 120mm and 81mm artillery. 

The KNLA coalition forces started assaulting Point-913 Noetday camp in early November, and the junta retaliated with airstrikes to protect their stance. 

In the Manerplaw area, the KNLA combined forces initiated an attack in 2023 on the Point-913 Noetday camp, Kasaw Wah Lay camp, Myauk Kone camp, Tha Dawt Wah Lay camp, Kae Gaw Kyoe camp, and Phoo Law Kone camp, successfully taking control of all camps except for the Point-913 Noetday camp. 

Manerplaw, founded in 1975, functioned as the headquarters for the KNU. The Myanmar military launched an offensive in 1992 and seized it from the KNU in January 1995.