Fierce Clashes Continue in Mobye as Junta Launches Artillery and Airstrikes

Fighting has continued to intensify in Mobye, a town on the Shan–Karenni (Kayah) State border, as junta forces carry out heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes, according to local sources.

On May 7, junta troops launched artillery attacks and conducted air raids on Mobye town and nearby Kone Thar village, with intense clashes ongoing between the military and resistance forces.

“The situation in Mobye today involves heavy shelling. Meanwhile, on the eastern side of Mobye in Kone Thar village, battles are also escalating. Aircraft have been used to drop bombs. The junta doesn’t use chemical bombs every day, but when fighting breaks out, they tend to drop more,” the source said.

According to a May 6 statement from the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the military has been using artillery, aircraft, and drones—including possible chemical gas bombs—in daily assaults on Mobye.

At the end of April and into early May, the junta reinforced its troops and launched new offensives in Mobye, Pekhon Township, sparking renewed and intensified battles between both sides.

The ongoing battle for Mobye involves junta forces clashing with the Southern Shan Military Command, PDF Strategic Unit 1, KNDF units, and allied resistance forces.

Since early this year, heavy daily fighting has continued for over four months between junta forces and resistance coalitions in Mobye, resulting in casualties on both sides and the destruction of civilian homes by fire.

Mobye, located only about 100 miles from the capital Naypyidaw, borders several strategic townships: to the north, Pinlaung, Nyaung Shwe, and Hsi Hseng; to the south, Hpruso and Than Taung; to the east, Loikaw and Demoso; and to the west, Pyinmana. This geographical significance makes Mobye a crucial military zone for both sides.