Myanmar Intensifies Karen State Offensive Near Thai Border
Myanmar forces intensified their offensive against Karen rebels along the Thai border, launching airstrikes and aerial resupply missions while stray fire again struck homes in Thailand's Tak province.
TAK — 17 August 2026, Fighting between Myanmar troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) intensified along the Thai-Myanmar border on Monday, with Myanmar forces launching airstrikes and flying in supplies to support ground troops as stray gunfire again crossed into Thailand.
Clashes continued around Min La Pan and Pha Lu Noi villages in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, opposite Ban Huai Maha Wong and Ban Mae Kon Ken in Mae Sot district, Tak province. Fighting was also reported around the Ticha Lae base, opposite Ban Wale in Phop Phra district.
Myanmar troops continued shelling Karen positions with heavy weapons while the two sides also exchanged small-arms fire.
Fighting was particularly intense around Min La Pan, where Myanmar forces were attempting to advance and seize Karen positions.
Stray rounds from the clashes again crossed the border and struck homes in Ban Huai Maha Wong. No injuries were reported. The affected houses are in the same area that has previously been hit by rounds fired during fighting across the border.
Myanmar forces have also deployed aircraft to bomb Karen positions and used military aircraft to deliver food and other supplies to troops on the ground.
The aerial resupply operation was reportedly intended to reduce reliance on overland supply routes, amid concerns that Karen forces could ambush ground convoys.
