This footage, provided by the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), shows their recent fighting against pro-Junta forces in the town of Hsihsaing, in the Southern Shan state of Myanmar. They use automatic rifles as well as an RPG.

The Karenni National Defense Force, or KNDF, is one of many primarily ethnic militias that fall under a broader heading of "People's Defense Forces" (PDF), a term used as a catch-all for anti-Junta resistance fighters. However, the Karenni and Karen forces have been fighting more sporadically over a longer period of time than most PDF units, having been initially formed to carve out their own respective ethnic States from Myanmar, whose government, they feel, abuses and/or neglects their interests.

As PDF units are incredibly diverse in terms of makeup, funding, and ability, weapons and gear vary widely, ranging from slamfire homemade shotguns to donated ARs. However, the fighters pictured here are fielding the ubiquitous standard of resistance fighters and insurgents all over the world- AKs and the iconic RPG-7.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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