Renewed Fighting in Hpapun Brings Civilian Suffering and Displacemen

November 10, 2025

HURFOM: Fighting in Karen State’s Hpapun District has intensified again as junta forces launched new large-scale offensives using heavy artillery, missiles, and airstrikes. According to HURFOM field sources, these attacks have been continuous and indiscriminate, striking civilian areas and villages where families were still trying to live amid the conflict.

Over the past several days, the attacks have killed at least four civilians, including women, and injured around fourteen others. Among the wounded, four remain in critical condition. More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in nearby forests and makeshift shelters. Local humanitarian workers told HURFOM that they are struggling to reach displaced communities because of the ongoing shelling and air surveillance by junta aircraft.

The renewed offensive began as junta troops tried to resupply and reinforce several blocked military bases, including the Katai-Ti camp in Hpapun Township, and other positions under the junta’s command in the area. Field sources estimate that more than 500 soldiers have been deployed in this operation. With limited control on the ground, the junta has relied heavily on air transport for logistics and bombing runs. Resistance forces said they have witnessed the air force dropping both supplies and bombs in the same operations.

Information obtained by HURFOM suggests that the junta intends to intensify its “clearance operations” over the next 45 days before its planned election. Sources believe the military aims to expand control over strategic areas and weaken resistance networks and their local supporters. This has made life even harder for civilians, who now have fewer safe places to hide.

An emergency response team member who spoke with HURFOM said the humanitarian situation is worsening: “Villagers are fleeing again and again. It’s harder to find safe places now. Aid groups can’t move easily because the roads are blocked and air attacks keep happening. For IDPs, it will be a very difficult time. The resistance groups are still holding their ground, but if people lose hope, everything could collapse. We are doing all we can to help.”

Hpapun Township is one of the areas where the junta has announced plans to hold elections in the second phase of its so-called national polls. Observers believe the current offensives are linked to the military’s attempt to reclaim territory before then. Fighting has also been reported in northern Kawkareik and southern Myawaddy Townships, where junta forces have been escalating attacks against KNLA-led resistance groups. The clashes have continued into the first week of November, leaving civilians trapped in another cycle of fear and displacement.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News