DKBA Major Shot Dead in Targeted Attack in Kayin State

A major from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) was shot dead in an apparent targeted attack at Phayathonesu (Three Pagodas Pass) in Kyarinseikgyi Township, Kayin State, on the Myanmar–Thailand border, according to local sources.

The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. on 27 June in the U Daung Kan area of the town. Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw was riding a motorcycle with a woman when a gunman opened fire, shooting at them six times, local residents said.

The officer died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while the woman travelling with him sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh.

“At first, no one knew who had been shot. Later, it was confirmed that the victim was DKBA Major Saw Aye Kyaw Kyaw,” a local resident said.

The identity of the assailant and the group responsible for the attack remains unknown. Phayathonesu is an area where several armed organisations operate.

According to local residents, security in the town is primarily overseen by the DKBA. Other ethnic armed groups with a presence in the area include the Karen National Union (KNU), the KNU/KNLA Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), the New Mon State Party (NMSP), as well as other armed groups.