After weeks of intense fighting, the anti-junta rebel coalition in Myanmar is on the brink of capturing the city of Myawaddy, which shares a border with Thailand. According to BBC news, hundreds of soldiers stationed in the eastern border city have surrendered to Karen rebels.

The Karen rebels, along with other insurgent groups, have been launching attacks on Myawaddy for several weeks. On Friday, the Karen National Union announced that a battalion stationed in Thanganyang town, just 10 kilometers from Myawaddy, had surrendered to their forces.

In a video released by the Karen National Union, young fighters can be seen displaying a vast array of weapons seized from the surrendered soldiers. This marks yet another setback for the Myanmar military junta, which has suffered significant losses in recent months.

The military regime has lost control of large swathes of territory, including areas in Shan State bordering China and Rakhine State bordering Bangladesh, to insurgent groups. Thousands of soldiers have either been killed, surrendered, or fled in the face of fierce resistance.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Myanmar junta has resorted to drastic measures, including mandatory military conscription for the country's residents.

Notably, Myawaddy serves as a crucial hub for trade between Myanmar and Thailand. The potential capture of the city by rebel forces underscores the continued challenges faced by the military junta in maintaining control over the country.