Tragedy Strikes Again in Karen State as Junta Air Force Bombs Kawkareik Village During New Year Holiday

April 17, 2025

On April 16, 2025, just after 12:40 PM, Junta launched yet another airstrike targeting civilians in Karen State, this time dropping bombs on Myaukkanmayaik village, Kawkareik Township, using a Harbin Y-12 aircraft.

A pregnant woman, just days away from giving birth, was tragically killed on the spot. At least six other civilians were seriously injured, including a 7-year-old child. The attack occurred during the traditional Thingyan New Year festival, a time when most villagers were home participating in religious and cultural ceremonies. Myaukkanmayaik is home to nearly 3,000 people and over 600 households.
HURFOM’s field reporter confirmed the incident, providing names of those injured:
U Pann Twin (50)
U Phoe Kyaw (45)
Ma Thae Myat Noe (9)
Thae Poe Law (7)
Two additional men also suffered injuries.

“The woman who died was 37 and heavily pregnant. She had just been helping her three-year-old son when a bomb struck her back. She died instantly. The unborn child did not survive either. While the toddler was physically unharmed, he is now deeply traumatized and showing signs of emotional distress,” said a local man in his 40s.

A member of a frontline medical team, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed outrage:
“Even after Malaysia’s foreign minister called for a ceasefire, the junta continues to deliberately target civilians, even during the Thingyan holiday. This isn’t just happening here; it’s widespread. It’s now crystal clear that the junta has no intention of engaging in any real peace talks. ASEAN leaders, including Malaysia, must understand that continuing to engage the junta while turning a blind eye to these atrocities amounts to enabling war crimes and legitimizing impunity.”

Another local CBO staff member based in Kawkareik shared:
“As a local resident, this year’s Thingyan has become a painful and bloody memory. We won’t forget. One day, justice must be served. I also urge our ethnic resistance organizations—Karen and Mon alike—to take real responsibility in protecting civilians. They must ensure not to use civilian areas as shields and must issue early warnings when military operations are expected. In addition to physical protection, we need collective efforts to provide humanitarian support—food, medicine, and safe shelters.”

Following the airstrike, more than 200 villagers have fled Myaukkanmayaik, taking refuge in nearby plantations and forest areas out of fear of further attacks.

This heartbreaking attack came just one day after junta jet fighters bombed a monastery in Kanni village and carried out a deadly assault on Nwar Chan Gone village near Kyon Doe Town in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. At least 20 civilians were killed, including four children between the ages of 3 and 15. Junta forces—particularly Infantry Battalions 545 and 546 stationed in Kyon Doe, along with Battalion 97 based in Kawkareik—have continued escalating their military operations across the region, launching relentless artillery shelling and airstrikes on civilian areas.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News