The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) headquarters has announced that it dismissed Klo Htoo Baw operation commanders Brigadier General Saw Kyaw Thet and Colonel Saw San Aung on 21 July.
The official order signed by the DKBA’s Chief of Staff General Saw Lah Pwe says, “Their affairs are no longer related to our armed group.”
This is the second time Colonel San Aung has been sacked from the DKBA.
Earlier this month, fighting between government troops and the DKBA broke out near the Asia Highway in Kawkareik Township, Kayin State and is still ongoing. The Kayin State government and DKBA held negotiations, but the area remained unstable.
On  8 July, government forces including the Kayin Border Guard Force took a number of positions on the Asian Highway and now control the area.
Initially, the Myanmar and Thai governments were scheduled to officially open the Asian Highway on 20July, but it has been delayed until further notice for security reasons.