Prolonged armed conflict creates suffering and hardship in Yebyu

September 19, 2025

HURFOM: Since early July, 2025, the military junta has launched indiscriminate artillery attacks on Ma Yan Chaung and Kaw Hline villages, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division, citing that Mon and Karen revolutionary forces are active in the area.

Between August 17^th and September 10th junta regiments have battled with Mon and Karen revolutionary forces.

Displacement

Due to the military’s advance and heavy armed conflict, tens of thousands of residents from ten villages including Kaw Hline, Thar Yar Mon, Ma Yan Chaung, 60-Mile, Yar Phu, Pha Yar Tone Zu, Kywel Tha Lin, Log Tie and Kyauk Ka Din villages have fled from the area.

“Some villagers who can’t run away are still left in Yar Phu village. Yesterday (September 8^th), the army launched an artillery attack and advanced into Yar Phu village. Armed clashes break out very often. The army is still launching artillery attacks,” said a displaced villager from Yebyu Township.

As the conflict continues displaced villagers are experiencing numerous livelihood and health problems. They are urgently in need of food and medicine.

“The displaced villagers in Ye Twon were supported with rice. Now, it is the rainy season and some children are suffering from illness. As we have to stay in others’ houses, we have to be careful with our behavior,” said a displaced villager.

HURFOM was informed that both the junta’s army and the revolutionary forces broke into empty houses and stole things of value.

“As no one is left in the village, they do as they like. Even if we go back we aren’t allowed to enter the village. Every belonging is made by our hard labor. But we can do nothing,” said a local man from Thar Yar Mon village.

Armed conflict is also getting intense in Phar Chaung village track, Kan Bauk region since the last week of August and about 500 residents from Zell Eain Zu, Taung Yin Inn and Phar Chaung villages have fled from their homes.

Arbitrary arrests

On August 24^th, the junta’s regiment arrested 20 villagers including a monk in Thar Yar Mon village. On August 28^th, 25 additional villagers were arrested. Eight Yar Phu villagers were arrested on September 8^th while three Kywel Tha Lin villagers were arrested on the next day – September 9^th.

“As I heard the sound of gunfire near our village, I was packing my belongings. The army entered the village and they stopped their truck in front of my house. They said “You all are supporting the rebels” and tied my hand and arrested me,” said a woman from Kywel Tha Lin village.

Injuries and Casualties

During the armed conflict in Yebyu Township, four civilians including two children were killed by junta artillery fire and landmine explosions, and ten others were injured.

From September 6^th to 9^th, the junta’s regiment shot and killed a truck driver, the driver’s assistant and a three-year-old baby girl. They also injured a local man.

A landmine explosion killed a three-year-old child and injured three other villagers.

“All the villagers ran away but we decided to stay. That’s why my daughter has to face the horrible incident. It broke my heart,” said the mother.

On July 8^th, the junta’s regiment targeted Kaw Hline village with artillery attacks and artillery shells exploded in nearby plantations. The explosions killed three children and a villager and severely injured their mother.

Property Destruction

Since August 8^th, indiscriminate artillery attacks launched by the Ka Lane Aung based 282^nd Light Infantry Battalion destroyed at least six houses including a monastery.

“As soon as the situation is getting stable, the regiment starts launching artillery attacks. Some artillery shells dropped in the plantation while some others hit houses in the village. The houses were destroyed and the villagers were injured. Now, the junta launches the artillery attack first before they start the military advance,” said a local source.

From August 24^th to September 2^nd, the regiment that conducted military operations in Phar Chaung village track, Kan Bauk area destroyed and burnt down about 20 houses in Taung Yin Inn village.

According to a report by the FE5 Tanintharyi, in July, junta artillery and airstrikes destroyed more than 40 residential houses.

The growing number and intensity of armed conflicts in the Tenasserim Division is increasing the number of displaced villagers. The military junta is blocking transportation routes resulting in a scarcity of commodities. Prices are rising causing increased hardships for displaced villagers and other civilians.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Feature, News