The Myanmar military and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) clashed on December 15 near Mae Wai in Papun District of Karen State.

On December 15, the Tatmadaw announced that the KNLA’s Brigade 5 had planted landmines in the Mae Wai area.

KNLA spokesman Brigadier General Sha Htoo Wun said, “The Tatmadaw has increased its forces in the Mae Wai area. They are going beyond set boundaries. They came up to Mae Wai. When they came up, they clashed with the local guards stationed in the area”.

Tatmadaw's True News Information Team could not be reached for comment by phone regarding the KNLA’s response. However, the Tatmadaw has made a complaint to State Level Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC-S) alleging that the KNLA Brigade 5 had crossed the area near Mae Wai.