Fear grows as armed groups conduct military activities near more villages

September 12, 2022

HURFOM: Since September, 2022, the Burmese army, the Karen National Union (KNU) and the local People Defense Force (PDF) have been active in the Wae Kha Mi, Sa Khan Kyi, Ka Lie Ba Daw, Aye Kabar, and Wel Tob villages, as well as the nearby U Khway and Daw Yane recently established villages, located in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State

The situation has led villagers to be worried about their livelihood and safety, according to multiple sources.

These villages are controlled by both the Burmese army and the KNU and increasingly the PDF has become active around the villages.

“Last week, a group of 20, believed to be PDF members, reached Sa Khan Kyi at night. Then, we heard gunshots from the (nearby) Wae Ka Lee battalion at midnight so we got frightened,” said a Sa Khan Kyi villager.

After the PDF entered the village, approximately 40 Burmese soldiers began a search of the area between Sa Khan Kyi and Wel Tob villages.

“As our village is controlled by the KNU, we fear (being harmed by the Burmese soldiers) at the moment. The soldiers are patrolling the village. Since August 31, government schools in villages under the mixed-control (by the KNU and the Burmese military) have had to close. Teachers dare not come to schools and parents haven’t sent their children to other nearby schools. The situation isn’t good,” said a villager from Ka Lie Ba Daw.

Military trucks have been frequently attacked by bombs nearby these villages and Burmese soldiers have established their bases outside of the village perimeters.

Whenever military trucks come under attack soldiers respond by arresting villagers indiscriminately from and torturing them. This behavior adds to the fear amongst villagers.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News