Former KNU leader Mutu Say Poe and junta boss Min Aung Hlaing have personal ties.

Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/internal-external-challenges-await-new-leadership-of-myanmars-knu.html

Saw Nerdah Mya, the former chief of a KNU armed wing, the Karen National Defense Organization, broke away and established the Kaw Thoo Lei Army in July last year.

Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-oldest-ethnic-armed-organization-reconvenes-congress-to-elect-new-leadership.html

“The KNU believes any gambling that arrives on Karen soil will only create severe social problems and increase crime.

Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/karen-national-union-under-pressure-over-crime-hub.html