Myanmar military columns launched a counter-terrorism operation targeting joint bases of the Karen National Union (KNU), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and People's Defence Force (PDF) across the mountainous border between Mon State's Kyaikto Township and Bago Region's Shwegyin Township.  Staging out of Theinzayat starting November 3, troops conducted security operations after intelligence indicated that armed groups had established temporary camps, arms-manufacturing sites, and an NUG special regional military command in the area.