Dozens of civilians reportedly killed in clashes last month between junta troops, KNLA forces

By DMG 06 Apr 2022

DMG Newsroom
6 April 2022, Hpa-an, Kayin State

Over 500 clashes took place in territory controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) in March, killing more than 50 locals, according to a source close to the ethnic armed organisation’s militant wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

A total of 510 clashes were reported last month between the Myanmar military and allied Border Guard Force (BGF) personnel, and the KNLA and its coalition forces, with the Myanmar military at times firing heavy artillery and conducting airstrikes, said a member of the KNLA.

“Some locals were killed when artillery shells were fired by the Myanmar military during the fighting,” the KNLA member added.

The KNU said there have been eight airstrikes by the Myanmar military in Nyaunglebin, Mutraw and Dooplaya districts, destroying more than 100 homes.

Fighting in areas under the control of KNLA brigades has increased the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the region by more than 100,000, according to a member of the Karen Refugee Assistance Group.

“Fighting continued throughout March, displacing more than 100,000 people and forcing the refugees to take shelter near the Thai border. There are also barriers to providing food aid to refugees,” the aid worker added.

As a result of recent clashes, the KNU has temporarily blocked traffic on major stretches of road in the region.