Turning the Tide: KNU and KNLA Reclaim Ground — Now Is the Time to Unite with KTLA and Reject Corruption for Lasting Liberation

Overview: The Resistance Is Advancing

The Karen National Union (KNU) and its armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), are at a historic turning point in their decades-long struggle for self-determination and justice. With the successful capture of major junta bases—including Maw Phoe Kay, Tarlal, Htee Khee, and the symbolic recapture of Manerplaw—the resistance has shown both the military capability and the enduring spirit of the Karen people.

These victories are not isolated; they are the result of disciplined action, coordinated tactics, and the will of a people who refuse to bow to tyranny.

Recent Battlefield Successes

Maw Phoe Kay Base Seized – May 2025

KNU Brigade 7 successfully recaptured the Maw Phoe Kay base in Paingkyon Township, which had been lost to Ne Win’s forces in 1981. This marks the eighth junta base reclaimed in the region since early 2024.
Source: The Irrawaddy

Tarlal Base Captured – May 13, 2025

The KNLA, alongside the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO), killed nine junta soldiers—including a captain—during the successful assault on Tarlal.
Source: The Irrawaddy

Htee Khee Trade Route Taken – Early May 2025

Strategic capture of the Htee Khee base on the Thai border disrupted a major trade and supply route used by the junta, cutting off a key economic artery.
Source: The Irrawaddy

Manerplaw Retaken – December 2024

In a deeply symbolic victory, the KNU reclaimed Manerplaw, its former headquarters lost in 1995, demonstrating the resilience of the resistance.
Source: The Diplomat

A Critical Call for Unity: KNU, KNLA, and KTLA Must Stand Together

Collaboration Is No Longer Optional — It Is Essential

To sustain these advances and secure real liberation, the KNU and KNLA must fully unite with the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) under one vision, one leadership strategy, and one voice. The Karen people are not calling for more fragmentation. They are calling for unity and accountability.

• Combined Forces Win: In joint operations in Dooplaya District, KTLA and KNLA forces inflicted major damage on junta camps.
  Source: Karen Human Rights Group

• Unity Structures Exist: The formation of the Unity Committee for Karen Armed Groups (UCKAG) with KNU, KTLA, and other entities provides a path forward for reconciliation and collaboration.
  Source: KNU Headquarters

• International Karen Organization (IKO) has called for all ethnic armed organizations to unify and focus on shared objectives rather than territorial or political power struggles.
  Source: Burma News International

Rejecting Corruption: No Alliances with General Chit Thu

The Resistance Must Stand on Integrity

It is essential that KNU and KNLA leadership stay away from corrupt military-aligned figures such as General Chit Thu, whose reputation is tied to extortion, drug trade, and betrayal of Karen values. Any cooperation or passive tolerance of individuals like Chit Thu erodes public trust and divides the movement from within.

• Chit Thu is deeply associated with the junta’s business wing in the Border Guard Force (BGF) and has allegedly been involved in illicit timber trade, narcotics, and profiting off displacement.

• Continued alignment with such figures risks the moral credibility of the resistance and jeopardizes international support, especially from democratic allies.

The resistance cannot win by adopting the tactics of the oppressor. It must rise above.

A Unified Message to KNU, KNLA, KTLA, and All Karen Leadership

Now is the time to lead not only with strength, but with integrity.

• Unite under one banner.

• Consolidate military strategy through KTLA-KNLA alignment.

• Avoid personal political ambitions and reject alliances with those who profit from the suffering of the people.

• Demonstrate to the world that Karen leadership stands not only for territorial control, but for principled governance, justice, and self-determination.

Closing Words: Together, or Not at All

Karen people are at a historic crossroads. The military is weakened, the resistance is rising, and the world is watching. But if the movement divides, the junta wins without firing a shot.

Let this be the generation that not only fought bravely—but built wisely, led selflessly, and united courageously.

Together, we reclaim the land. United, we reclaim the future.
For Kawthoolei. For Freedom. For the People.

📚 References

• KNU Seizes Myanmar Junta Base on Thai Border – The Irrawaddy

• Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Recapture of Manerplaw – The Diplomat

• Dooplaya District Resistance and Shelling – Karen Human Rights Group

• Unity Committee for Karen Armed Groups – KNU HQ

• IKO Calls for Unity – BNI Online

• [Chit Thu’s Ties to Corruption – Myanmar Now, Justice for Myanmar, BBC Burmese archives]