The fall of Kawmoora in February 1995 marked a decisive Tatmadaw advance that effectively ended the KNLA's control of key border strongholds in the Karen conflict.
Key Facts
- Battle start date
- 19 December 1994
- Kawmoora captured
- 21 February 1995
- Manerplaw fell
- 27 January 1995
- Thai artillery permission
- Tatmadaw fired from Thai territory with Thai govt approval
- Combatants
- Tatmadaw vs. Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Before 1994, the Tatmadaw had repeatedly failed to capture the KNLA stronghold of Kawmoora due to its robust fortifications and the narrow corridors of access available from Tatmadaw-held territory. Unable to advance directly, Myanmar forces instead shelled KNLA positions by firing artillery from Thai soil, with the permission of the Thai government.
Beginning on 19 December 1994, the Tatmadaw launched a sustained offensive against the Karen National Liberation Army at Kawmoora. The battle was protracted, with Tatmadaw forces unable to take the position directly until the fall of the KNLA's principal base at Manerplaw on 27 January 1995 opened a southern axis of advance.
Following the fall of Manerplaw, Tatmadaw forces pushed southward and captured Kawmoora on 21 February 1995. This eliminated one of the KNLA's last major fortified strongholds along the Thai-Myanmar border, significantly weakening the Karen National Union's military capacity in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent