Intense Fighting Erupts in Myawaddy Between Junta and KNU Forces
Heavy combat was reported on July 19, 2026, in the southern outskirts of Myawaddy, Karen State, involving the Myanmar military and an alliance led by the Karen National Union (KNU). Revolutionary forces under the Black Leopard Column reportedly captured several junta soldiers and seized weapons during the engagement. The clashes occur as Myanmar's junta remains barred from ASEAN high-level meetings and faces increasing pressure from civil society over telecommunications blackouts.