"Insurgency Gains Momentum: Myanmar Rebels Seize Key Trading Town"
Resistance forces in Myanmar captured the key trade town of Myawaddy on the Thai border, marking a significant gain since the 2021 military coup, but thousands of residents are fleeing as the regime's troops prepare for a counteroffensive. The town, held by rebels of the Karen ethnic group, is a vital hub for imports and exports, with $1 billion in trade last year. The fall of Myawaddy comes as resistance forces have seized numerous towns and military outposts in border regions and launched drones targeting the capital. Residents are seeking safety in Thailand amid fears of an impending military counteroffensive.
