Many residents suffer catastrophic injuries from recurrent Ah Nan Kwin battles

December 17, 2024

HURFOM: Since August 18^th, 2024, there have been frequent and sustained armed clashes between the military junta and the Karen National Liberation Army and its alliances in areas near the Ah Nan Kwin military base and alongside Three Pagoda Pass – Thanbyuzayat Highway Road, Kyarinnseikyi Township, Karen State and Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State.

These armed clashes have been ongoing for nearly four months and at least ten residents in the area have been injured and lost body parts due to artillery attack or landmine explosions.

“During these days, three villagers from Sa Khan Gyi (inner) village have stepped on landmines. They are two plantation workers and a local villager. All three of them have lost body parts,” said a 50-year-old local man.

The military junta has been reinforcing their troop presence alongside the Three Pagoda Pass – Thanbyuzayat Highway Road over the last three months and frequently clashed with the local armed resistance forces.

Increased military movement, forced resistance groups to temporarily retreat and reduced military tensions.

As stable returns, residents have started to go out from their villages to make their livelihood. However, that is when some have stepped on landmines.

In recent weeks, two residents from Zee Hna Pin village stepped on a landmine planted at their rubber plantation while they were cleaning bushes.

“Those who stepped on landmines are over 20 years of age. They stepped on a landmine in their rubber plantation while removing bushes. One had a minor injury while another one had a serious one. He wasn’t in a life-threatening situation but his injury was really serious,” said a local resident.

Last month, a 40-year-old local man from Pa Nga village rode over a landmine while going to his plantation by motorbike. His motorbike was totally damaged by the explosion and he lost consciousness during the incident.

“Recently, at least ten residents suffered casualties due to artillery attacks or landmine explosions. We have limited access to information, it’s difficult to get the exact number. The number might be higher. Neither the junta nor the resistance groups release any information about civilians’ casualties. Because reporters can’t reach this area, news of civilians’ casualties by landmine or artillery attacks goes largely unreported,” said a 50-year-old rubber plantation owner from San Pya village.

As San Pya, Pa Yaw Hel, Ye Ta Gon, Zee Hna Pin, Lot Shan, Ta Nyin and Than Pa Yar villages located alongside Three Pagoda Pass – Thanbyuzayat Highway Road are becoming a front line of conflict, and casualties in those villages are getting higher.

Casualties by landmine explosions can be documented but the number of casualties from artillery attacks during the clashes are unable to be collected.

Both the military junta and the resistance groups do not release information about civilians’ casualties nor do they take responsibility.

Although military tensions are easing, residents are reluctant to start their livelihood activities due to threats of the artillery attacks and landmine explosions.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under Feature, News