Weekly Analysis: Attacks in Karen State by the Military Junta Kill Women and Children

April 21, 2025

Over the last week, attacks in targeted areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland escalated, particularly in Karen State. The military junta has not only continued to violate the ceasefire it declared following the earthquake, but they have also exhibited an alarming disregard for civilian lives and their overall well-being. Airstrikes and aerial attacks by the military across townships in Karen State led to the deaths and injuries of women and children.

On April 16, 2025, just after 12:40 PM, the 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, when most villagers were home participating in religious and cultural ceremonies.

Following the airstrike, more than 200 villagers have fled, 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.

In Kawkareik Township, Karen State, junta forces have continued their indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas using both artillery and drones. These brutal offensives have left at least eight innocent people, including young children, injured, and several homes damaged or destroyed. On the evening of April 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM, junta troops stationed in Kawkareik Town launched a drone strike on Maungma Ywa Thit village. The attack wounded a 10-year-old girl, a 55-year-old man, and a 50-year-old woman—all local villagers.

Just two days earlier, on the night of April 8, at 10:30 PM, the junta launched more artillery attacks using 120mm and 122mm heavy weapons. Shells landed in several villages, including Ankaung, Kyaiktalite, and Daukphalan in Kawkareik Township.

Another airstrike occurred on April 17 at 8:00 AM when the junta dropped bombs on Thayettaw village in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. Two bombs were dropped by a jet fighter directly above. One male villager was killed instantly, and at least four others were seriously injured, including two men and two children.

“This happened without warning. The jet appeared suddenly, and within moments the bombs dropped—no time to flee, no time to hide,” said a 35-year-old local volunteer assisting displaced villagers.

“People scattered in panic, trying to take shelter in bomb shelters, irrigation ditches, or under homes. Many elderly people, women, and children were crying and screaming. It’s terrifying. We don’t know when the next strike might come—or why we are being targeted.”

Thayettaw is a densely populated village with approximately 720 households and a population of over 3,800. The vast majority of residents were still in their homes, as the attack occurred during the Thingyan festival’s New Year Day—a time usually marked by peace and community gatherings. HURFOM’s documentation team confirmed that the two injured children, both around 10 years old, were rushed to Mawlamyine for emergency treatment by local rescue teams. The condition of the two wounded adult males remains unknown.

This latest assault follows the horrifying pattern of recent attacks carried out by the junta in Karen State. As of now, more than 400 households from Thayettaw have fled into nearby fields, orchards, and forests, fearing additional airstrikes. Many left behind their homes, livelihoods, and belongings in search of safety.

These targeted attacks on residential communities came in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in the country, during what should have been a time of rescue and relief efforts. Instead, the military junta has continued its deliberate assaults on unarmed civilians, deepening the suffering of those already in crisis.

Overview of Main Cases

• Three Young Girls Injured After Stepping on Landmine Near Hpa–pun Township, Karen State

In Hpa–pun Township, Karen State, three young girls were injured in a landmine explosion while walking along the bank of the Salween River near Kamamaung Town.

The incident occurred at around 5 PM on April 10. The victims were identified as Ma Zin Myat Noe (12 years old), Ma Kyae Zin Lin Thant (17), and Ma Zin Thida Theint (12), all from Ward No. 3 in Kamamaung Town. The girls were walking together near the river when the explosion happened.

• Indiscriminate Attacks by Junta Forces in Kawkareik Township Injure Eight Civilians, Including Children

On the evening of April 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM, junta troops stationed in Kawkareik Town launched a drone strike on Maungma Ywa Thit village. The attack injured a 10–year–old girl, a 55–year–old man, and a 50–year–old woman—all local villagers.

• Junta-Deployed Airstrike Forces Civilians to Flee, Kills Fourteen

On the early morning of April 16, at 6:00 AM, junta forces launched a deadly airstrike using jet fighters and heavy artillery on Nwar Chan Gone village, near Kyon Doe Town in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. The bombs hit villagers and vehicles preparing to flee the area, killing at least 14 civilians.

• Second Airstrike on April 16 Kills Pregnant Woman

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, when most villagers were home participating in religious and cultural ceremonies.