Armed conflict kills 20 Pu Law residents: Thousands of villagers flee

August 20, 2025

HURFOM: Since the third week of July, 2025, there has been an intense battle between the junta’s army and the People’s Defense Force and its allies near Pu Law Town, Myeik District, Tenasserim Division.

The army responded with heavy and small weapons fire and drone attacks. They also launched air assaults killing at least 20 residents including two monks and destroying 40 houses.

“The army indiscriminately attacks the villagers. As far as I know, at least two villagers were killed by indiscriminate shooting. The number of casualties is much greater than the number in the official statement. Many families are stuck in the battle in Pu Law but we don’t know the exact number,” said a witness.

More than 5,000 residents from Pa La Town and nearby villages have fled due to the intense conflict. The prolonged fighting has left at least 3,000 displaced villagers from Mi Jaung Thike, Thar Myine Pyin and Kyauk Phyu villages in urgent need of food and shelter.

“Now, the armed conflict has lasted for nearly a month. The army asks lots of questions if they find us carrying food. As we aren’t allowed to transport a big amount of rice, the displaced villagers are facing a tough livelihood. They are also in need of medicine as it is the rainy season now,” said a social worker helping the displaced community.

Currently, nearly 200 military junta troops are stationed in empty houses in Pa La Town and revolutionary forces are active around the town. This situation leads to ongoing armed conflicts, according to a Pu Law resident.

From 2021 to August, 2025, approximately 18,500 villagers in Pu Law Township have been displaced, and most remain unable to return to their homes.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News