# Operation 1111

Operation 1111 (Burmese: ၁၁၁၁ စစ်ဆင်ရေး) is an ongoing military operation in Myanmar launched by Karenni Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) including the Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF). The operation was launched concurrently with Operation 1107, with the goal to capture Kayah State's capital city of Loikaw.
Around 35,000 people have reportedly been displaced due to the recent fighting in Kayah state. Tatmadaw troops have reacted to the offensive by erecting roadblocks in and around Loikaw. As of 7 January 2024, fighting is ongoing.

## Name and scope of the article

The first Karenni concurrent operation that was announced were Operation 1107, with fighting reported in places like Mese outside Loikaw. Shortly afterwards, in November 2023, Operation 1111 was announced for Loikaw.
By February–March most sources were already using Operation 1111, though the Washington Post used "The battle for Loikaw" for operation 1111 and "October offensive" for Operation 1027.
As of June–July 2024 most sources seem to have defaulted to using exclusively Operation 1111 for all Kayah/Karenni State related fighting. Pro-Tatmadaw sources use generic terms to describe the karenni fighters as "terrorists".
By August 2024, even some pro-Tatmadaw sources had started employing the term Operation 1111, though in combination with the generic label terrorist. The term has been used as of November 2024, despite changes on the battlefields since the launch of Operation 1111. The term still seeing usage as of March 2025.
What is also noteworthy is the sources keep using Operation 1111 for the fighting in Kayah since November 2023, when earlier there were articles for separate battles of Loikaw for the separate bouts of fighting, like Battle of Loikaw (2021) and Battle of Loikaw (2022).

## Background

Loikaw has been described as the military's nerve center for Kayah State. Its loss could jeopardize the regime's control of much of the state. It has been the site of multiple battles during the civil war: the first battle in 2021 that ended in a ceasefire, and another battle in January–February 2022 that ended inconclusively.
Before the start of the 2023 battle, the junta had two battalions deployed to defend the city.

## Fighting
### Karenni offensive

Starting at 4:00am on 11 November, KNDF and KA forces started attacking military bases around Loikaw in an operation dubbed "Operation 1111". The coalition forces captured seven military bases and shot down an aircraft.
By 13 November, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) claimed it had taken several positions of the Tatmadaw. It was also reported that a total of 16 civilians had died in the fighting. The Irrawaddy reported that "volunteers estimate that around 35,000 people—including people displaced by previous conflicts—need to evacuate from Loikaw as a result of the recent fighting. The town is usually home to 50,000 residents. The capital is also the junta’s key stronghold and center of administrative control in Kayah State."
By 15 November, there were reports of heavy fighting in Loikaw, with many civilians still trapped in their homes amid the ongoing fighting. More than 34 civilians were killed, and 50 were injured in Loikaw from retaliatory strikes from the junta's forces. During the fighting, 110 junta soldiers were killed and 38 surrendered.
By 18 November, the EAOs further gained control in Loikaw, including the Loikaw District Court and Loikaw University. The groups took 38 prisoners of war, who surrendered after the rebels cornered them before any air support could arrive. It was reported the number of displaced civilians had reached 40,000 and at least 50 dead.
On 22 November it was reported that 315+ fighters and civilians on both sides had died during the first 10 days of Operation 1111 and that 100,800 people had been in displaced Kayah state, with 40,000 of those from Loikaw. The KNDF claimed to have taken further outposts from the Tatmadaw. The fighting had reached the downtown of Loikaw by 23 November. In an interview with The Irrawaddy on 28 November, the KNDF's deputy commander-in-chief Marwi claimed that the rebels already controlled 80% of Kayah state and had surrounded Loikaw, where an interim Karenni government was being established. With its ground forces in Kayah State weakened, on 29 November, the junta began to resort to airstrikes against Loikaw. In a report to the State Administration Council, Chairman Min Aung Hlaing claimed that the Tatmadaw had retaken the city, but these claims were denied the following day by Marwi.
Lin Lin, a leader of the People's Defence Force in Kayah, stated that most of his fighters had been motivated to take Loikaw as they are from the city and wanted to return to their homes; while reporting that the Tatmadaw was on the defensive. On 2 December, KNDF chairman Khun Bedu reported that the Tatmadaw had retreated to the city police station. By this time, the military regime's administration was reportedly no longer functional in the city. Loikaw's Naung Yar and Daw Au Khu residential wards saw ongoing clashes and rebel forces claimed to have captured 50 soldiers and several weapons and ammunition.
On the 9th, Pyu Township was also reported to be under attack by insurgents. Pekon Township that neighbors Kayah State, but is in Shan State is also seeing fighting, with Demoso and Loikaw continuing seeing combat.
On 10 December, the KNDF took control of the main police headquarters in Loikaw.
On 11 December the Irrawaddy stated "The regime’s Regional Command Center, Loikaw General Hospital, Nursing and Midwife School, the State Government Office and some religious buildings are still occupied by junta troops, according to resistance forces." By 18 December, anti-junta forces were reported to have control of 85% of Loikaw.
As of 15 December, fighting in Mobye is continuing and the insurgents claim to have taken 75% of the town. At least 5 civilians were reported to have been killed as a result of the fighting, with much of the town abandoned by the civilians. The casualties of fighting in Mobye include 11 Tatmadaw and 9 insurgent soldiers killed.
On 7 January, the Karenni rebel forces launched an offensive against Pekon. By the following day, they had captured the police station, as well as state and government offices, bringing most of the city under their control. More than two-thirds of the town's population fled the fighting. Ko Banyar additionally reported that fighting was continuing in towns throughout the state.
Mawchi has fallen to Karenni forces as of 29 January. Mawchi was taken by Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, which is an effort towards Taungoo where Karen National Union is already fighting. Thus the efforts in Kayah and Bago are linked. Fighting was reported in Mobye, Demoso and Loikaw. With 2/3 of Loikaw controlled by the Karenni forces. On 29 January, KNLA and PDF forces shot down a Tatmadaw Eurocopter AS365 with machine guns, sniper rifles, and RPGs as it was landing. Brigadier General Aye Min Naung of the 44th Light Infantry Division and the pilot were among the five recorded casualties.

#### Stalling of offensive

In February 2024, reports emerged that the Karenni resistance fight for Loikaw city was stalling. Life was continuing in the outskirts of Loikaw while the downtown area was depopulated. Markets, farming, and small businesses were opening in area's on the outskirts. During this time the KNDF was consolidating control over much of Kayah since the Tatmadaw were sending reinforcements to Loikaw from elsewhere in Kayah. At this time, the Karenni resistance were still urging civilians not to return to Loikaw during the fighting.
The Irrawaddy reported in July 2024, that the offensive to take Loikaw had seen little progress since the Karenni took the Loikaw University.

#### Escalation

In March 2024, Al Jazeera reported a counter estimate on how much of Loikaw the Karenni forces actually control, stating "About half the city, controlled by the military since the coup, is now in the hands of the Karenni resistance". They further stated that the fighting in Kayah was escalating, with Demoso, Mese, Shadaw and Ywar Thit fully in Karenni control. Khu Reedu was the commander who took Shadaw for the Karennis. Shadaw also saw harsh fighting. Khu Reedu claimed Tatmadaw took 180 casualties dead, while the Karenni only 9 in the fight for Shadaw with 6 civilians dead.
There were also reports of fighting in Pasaung. Al Jazeera also reported that Tatmadaw are increasingly using military planes to bombard Karenni positions. In June Channel 4 reported the reported the Karenni were using customized drones to fight the military.
Karenni forces captured Hpasawng and most of Hpasawng Township on 14 March. On 4 May, Karenni forces launched an offensive on the last remaining junta forces in Hpasawng Township, killing 20 junta soldiers.

### Tatmadaw counter offensive

On 29 May it was reported the Karenni were putting up intense resistance at several points of the route to Loikaw the Military is taking. Tatmadaw named this counter-offensive Operation Yan Naing Min. On 30 May 2024 the Irrawaddy reported the Tatmadaw had mounted an advance towards Loikaw. They also stated that the Karenni control 80% of Loikaw, meaning the control had increased from 2/3 to 4/5 of Loikaw since January (see above). With the Tatmadaw force being at Kayan Tha Yar with the direction towards at the capital, while stating fighting in Loikaw itself was continuing daily. By 3 June, the 500 soldier column had reached the Loikaw-Mobye-Hsi Hseng intersection, known as the Kayantharyar intersection.
During 22 June, it was reported that Tatmadaw had lost military bases in Mobye, Demoso, Shadaw, Ywar Thit, Nammekon, Mawchi and Mese since the start of the operation.
On 1 July, junta forces began attacking KNDF positions south of Pinlaung, attempting to relieve the Karenni siege on Pekon.

### Intensification in Loikaw and both on the offensive

The Irrawaddy reported on 8 July that fighting was intensifying after reinforcements of 500 troops had arrived to help the already stationed 1,500 Tatmadaw troops. The Atlas News reported that the reinforcing column had managed to take some initial territory around Loikaw after arriving. Methods included using infiltration tactics, by sending in soldiers into the rebel held area dressed as civilians to do reconnaissance for the Tatmadaw while the reinforced Tatmadaw advanced towards Loikaw University. The Karenni were reported to lack ammunition, making defending the area harder. The military regime claimed to have opened schools in previously contested areas of Loikaw. In light of this Karenni forces regrouped and announced a counterattack amidst this fighting on 4 July.
By mid July in Hpasawng Township there had been reports of fresh intense fighting, including Karenni claims of poisoned gas use by Tatmadaw against the resistance fighters. Meanwhile, in Loikaw, pro-Tatmadaw sources confirmed there to be continued fighting in Loikaw, Pekhon and Mobye. These sources also claimed that there had been Tatmadaw progress in the direction of Loikaw University. Chinaview reported the junta had intercepted a weapons shipment into Kayah State. In Loikaw itself, Karenni State Interim Executive Council where moving museum artefacts into safety from the fighting. The Irrawaddy stated the Tatmadaw has forced the Karenni on the retreat in parts of Loikaw.
By end of July, there emerged reports that soldiers had started intentionally setting civilian houses alight. Hmainglone, Ywardanshae, Htudungantha, Loikaw Technological University and Myakalat Mountain areas of Loikaw city were seeing fighting.
The military is recommending that civilians return to Loikaw, while KNDF recommends they do not due to the fighting.
In early August it was reported that Tatmadaw had secured Loikaw, including much of its rural township, according to Tatmadaw claims and civilian reports. KNDF states there are daily clashes around Loikaw including for the control of Loikaw-Demoso Union Highway. There are reports of Karenni advances as well, with two key military bases (Yaykyaw & Mae Salong) near Bawlakhe falling to the resistance fighters. While Myanmar Peace Monitor reported 608 Karenni fighters, 514 civilians had been killed since the 2021 coup.
Fighting around Mobye has also intensified, including damaging a nearby dam that has led to flooding in parts of Demoso, Mobye and Loikaw.
In early September KNDF shelled Loikaw in an attempt to kill Min Aung Hlaing. With the Irrawaddy reiterating that Loikaw has been lost to Tatmadaw, as mentioned above. While RFA reported the Karenni are taking bases and settlements around Loikaw. In retaliation for attempted killing of Min Aung Hlaing, the Junta conducted airstrikes of civilian targets. With information emerging that Min Aung Hlaing may have exposed himself, by taking a tour of conflict zones, due to internal criticism over recent military setbacks.
During the second half of September fighting was reported along the Karenni-Shan border killing dozens. With large parts of Kayah State at this time seeing flooding, affecting civilian life. This natural disaster was caused by Typhoon Yagi.
As of 20 September 2024, the Myanmar junta only has control of Loikaw and Bawlakhe Townships.
In December reports emerged that as mentioned above in July already, the Karenni suffered ammunition shortages. But that now this was due to the Pa-O National Army cutting Karenni supply lines and thus causing the supply problems. Contributing to the Tatmadaw retaking Loikaw.

#### Post-Yagi situation

The Karenni State Interim Executive Council said 40,000 people have been displaced by Yagi and the Mobye Dam flooding. With other estimates that Kayahs agricultural production could fall by as much as 30% as a result. With many civilians in conflict areas risking food insecurity because of it. As of 2 October, Junta census push is ongoing until 15 October. Stating that clashes were continuing and that there were risk of further attacks due to the census drive. Karenni resistance groups rejected Junta offer to negotiate a peace agreement. The Junta is reported to have prevented aid from reaching some areas by putting in place road blocks, thus worsening the effects of Yagi. With some 200,000 people being displaced by Yagi.

### Fighting along the Karenni-Shan Border area

During October fighting has been reported in North Kayah State. Amid the state still feeling some effects from Yagi. With a 1,000 Tatmadaw troops and additional Pa-O Militia attacking several settlements held by Karenni Resistance. Such as Pinlaung, Mobye and Pekon. While Frontline states Pekon had been taken in a military counter-offensive taking advantage of the flooding caused by Yagi. Karenni Army Adjutant-General Colonel Phone Naing however thinks Tatmadaw wont aim to hold the territory, but is seeking to shore up its supply lines. With fighting reported in Bawlake and Hparsaung as well. With as of October only Loikaw and Bawlake townships being controlled by Tatmadaw. Causing Tatmadaw to have supply some of its troop with helicopters. The Kayan National Army was formed on 29 October, unifying many of the Karenni Resistance forces.
On 1 November it was reported that Karenni resistance forces have been pushed back in Southern Shan state. With one reason given being the resistance forces running low on ammunition. Also Chinese drones are playing a part, with former counter-measures less effective in their combat and their able to carry bigger bomb loads. With the article mentioning that the Junta were in control of Loikaw as previously reported, but also its airport.
The Irrawaddy reported on 5 November that Tatmadaw was building up forces near Kayah State and in Loikaw for an offensive, possibly for the upcoming anniversary of Operation 1111. The aim might be to take more territory. With residents of Loikaw estimating the Tatmadaw forces there now numbering some 4,000 troops. While civilian farmers are suffering disruptions due to the ongoing situation in Northern Kayah and South Western Shan. With some outlets claiming the Junta taking vehicles from villagers, use of 'human shields' and forced conscription in Pekhon.
Fighting has now come to Dee Maw Hso Township, a township that hasn't seen much fighting since beginning of Operation 1111. While fighting Moebye Town, Pekhon-Pinlaung area and with large scale artillery shelling. While a KNDF spokesperson said the Tatmadaw offensive might head towards Loikaw or to Nam Mae Khon, with the Tatmadaw exact goals unclear to KNDF. The fighting in the Karenni-Shan border area is a continuation of months of fighting there. In late November, an small detachment of 80 Junta troops heading for Loikaw from Mobye were attacked and suffered some 30 dead. At the same time-frame, fighting in Pekhon is causing displacement of Civilians. Including with Junta airstrikes on Pekhon. While the Irrawaddy reports Pekhon has been taken, unlike concurrent reports by Bni Online and KT News, which report fighting in Pekhon. The Frontier Myanmar also reported Pekhon was taken, but already in October. While the Irrawaddy reports major fighting in Mobye for control of the Pekon-Moebye-Loikaw road. With Mobye sitting in a 'critical junction'. Quoting a Pekhon PDF member saying "The regime has gathered around 500 troops in Pekon. It is trying to break through to the Battalion 422 base, backed by shelling from artillery units in Pekon and Loikaw,". While also stating fighting was occurring on the outskirts of Loikaw itself. With Nan Mae Khon being a goal of the Tatmadaws push. With Tatmadaw using drone strikes in Mobye. In early December, claims of chemical weapons use surface in fight for Mobye. By mid December, arrests and gunfire were reported from Loikaw. Bombardment in villages east of Pekhon Lake force civilians to flee, despite this area not currently being seeing fighting. While the PNO have been fighting in the townships of Pinlaung, Hsihseng, and Pekon.
In December, while all this fighting is going on, Pro-Junta sources report fears of a second push to take Loikaw by KNDF since Operation 1111 started. Stating fighting is occurring in 'Bawlakhe, Hpruso, Hpasawng, Demoso, Moebye, and Pekon' and estimating a battle for Loikaw is on the horizon for 2025. While around the New Year, Khun Be Du, chairperson of the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) said; “In 2025, we will strive to decisively take over the junta’s camps in Kayah [Karenni] State. We call on the people to support and encourage us.” In November the Irrawaddy reported a military build-up in Loikaw of 4,000 troops. Since November, according to the Irrawaddy, both the Junta and the Pa-O National Army have been on the offensive to retake territory from the Karenni Resistance.
With late December civilians having fled from Mobye, Pekhon and Loikaw. Tatmadaw is seeing setbacks in their offensive against the Karenni, with the Mellyu base, Shadaw Township falling to the Karenni Army. The base had 80 troops. Kantarawaddy Times reported that from 1 February 2021 to 1 December 2024 there had been 1765 air strikes in Kayah State by the Junta, while in early January 2025 reports emerged that the Junta is supporting the Pa-O National Army offensive in the northern border area with airstrikes.
El Pais reports that Demoso has become a place for refugees to shelter. Housing some 150,000 people today. While it mentions fighting on the "Loikaw front". With KNDF General Maui stating "Without enough weapons for a frontal assault, tactics and intelligence are everything in the outcome of the conflict. We must make sure that the army comes after us and falls in our trap.” While Myanmar Peace Monitor reports Loikaw Prison was excluded from a recent amnesty issued by the Junta.
By mid January skirmishing was reported within the vicinity of Loikaw, with brunt airstrikes being around Mobye. One killed and one wounded was reported in this fighting in Mobye by Karenni resistance. During this time Min Aung Hlaing stated in his opinion, the destruction now seen in Kayah state is the fault of the Karenni resistance. Towards later half of January reports emerged of fighting on Loikaws outskits. This while Tatmadaw wants to reopen the University of Loikaw. Locals intervjued stated this fighting was the reason they didn't yet want to return to Loikaw.

#### Fight for control of Mobye

Tatmadaw has succeeded in taking Mobye, the town, during its offensive in December. Now as of early February the KNDF launches an advance to retake the town. Tatmadaw reportedly took Mobye with 700 troops deployed to the task.
By Middle February, 80% of Historical Karenni State is estimated by Democratic Voice of Burma as under resistance control. On February 17 Karenni Army is reported to have taken the last Tatmadaw outpost along the Kayah-Thai border. With said assault starting on 12 February with artillery and drone strikes on the 40 man strong Tatmadaw outpost. Reports of some Tatmadaw conscripts defecting to KNDF had emerged; "Most defectors are young men who were forcibly conscripted under the junta’s military service law and sent to the frontlines." By February 22, more defections were reported and 'clashes' in Mobye.
Reports of Tatmadaw looting of homes reported in Pekhon township, it's town and villages. With intense fighting reported there.
Early March, reports of air and artillery strikes in Pekhon and Loikaw. "Heavy Clashes" reported in Mobye. While KNDF had announced it launched an offensive to retake Mobye from Tatmadaw, who had taken it in December. Junta is reported to have taken high casualties when taking the town. With KNDF now defending against a Junta bid to "Reclaim" Mobye from KNDF. The Junta is now sending reinforcements from Loikaw to help in this effort. Additional areas are mentioned, with the Irrawaddy citing an KNDF member saying: "Fighting has also broken out in [Karenni’s] Loikaw, Hpasaung, and Bawlakhae townships over the past month, but Mobye has seen the heaviest clashes. The junta has suffered significant casualties while we have also lost some comrades". Mobye is strategically located 40 km from Loikaw. In the city of Loikaw itself, the Junta is reported to be deploying the Peoples Militia to guard important sites. Such as Educational and Government buildings. Explaining "The People’s Militia in Loikaw was formed after the 1111 Operation, and the majority of its members are local residents and junta supporters." Reporting on the recent fighting causes civilian causalities, due to artillery and air strikes. Drone strikes in the fight over Mobye reported, these drone strikes have forced the Karenni to withdraw from some defensive positions with both Tatmadaw and Karenni resistance having suffered "heavy casualties". Karenni have made inroads into Bawlakhe township recently, prompting the Junta to respond, lanching an battle for Bawlakhe. With also Demoso, Moebye and areas surrounding Loikaw also seeing some fighting. Claimes of the Junta employing prisoners in their fight aganst the Karenni emerge.

## Post-fighting

In early March it was reported that most homes of those who fled the fighting had been looted in Loikaw. There were also reports of trials of Loikaw University personnel for having colluded with the regime, including Loikaw University Rector U Aung Khin Myint. Karenni State Interim Executive Council has begun to consolidate control over parts of Kayah State. In January 2025 it was reported that the new interim government has begun collecting taxes on township level. By July 2024, it was reported that an anti-junta law enforcement agency, the Karenni State Police, were attempting to deal with sex crimes.
In now Junta held Loikaw, as of January 2025, the local Military council have started issuing confiscation threats for vacant homes. While gender based violence has been brought to the attention of Karenni State Interim Executive Council.
The KSIEC has begun to issue residency cards to its citizens.
Due to gamling crackdown elsewhere in Myanmar, part of the gambling business is shifting to the southern Shan.

## Humanitarian impact

Since the start of the operation, more than 80% of the state's population has been internally displaced. The group Progressive Karenni People reported that the junta had destroyed "46 religious buildings, 22 schools, 14 hospitals and 2,281 homes" in the state since 1 January 2024. Ko Banyar reported that more than 500 people have been killed in the shelling.
In a UN statement released in August 2024, it stated that the level of brutality had increased, including an increase of aerial bombardment, including on children by the Tatmadaw and beheadings of surrendered soldiers in Loikaw by resistance fighters. With the UN saying the increase in bombardment of civilian targets by the Tatmadaw is a sign of increased desperation amongst the Junta. Demoso has become an refugee hub. Refugees in Demoso are suffering water shortages and dependent on charity for their water needs. With IDPs demaning that the Interim Executive Council do more to help.