MAF Regains Control of Most Trade Routes in Karen State

A section-by-section view of Asian Highway No. 1, which runs for about 169 kilometres through Karen State, shows that the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) controls four of its five sections.

By ISP Admin | June 5, 2026

Photo – AFP

A section-by-section view of Asian Highway No. 1, which runs for about 169 kilometres through Karen State, shows that the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) controls four of its five sections. The remaining section is under an informal form of shared control involving the Karen National Army (KNA), Border Guard Force (BGF), and the MAF. The control of the old Kawkareik–Myawaddy Highway is contested between the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA), its allied People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), and the MAF. Alternate routes such as Road 1018 are fully controlled by the KNA, while the Yin Kwe Taung road is jointly controlled by the KNA, BGF, and KNU/KNLA-PC. Control of the Kyat Oo Taung road is shared between the KNU/KNLA-PC and the MAF. All armed groups are present on the Htwatkawkoe road.