Monthly Overview: A Devastating Year for Civilians in Burma as Displacement Soars amid a Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

January 6, 2025

December 2024

As 2024 ends, documentation by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) indicates an ongoing deterioration of human rights in Burma. In the target areas of Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, civilians continue to face a barrage of threats to their safety and well-being, including ongoing indiscriminate firing, where women, children, and the elderly are among those who have been killed and wounded.

Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, landmines, gender violence and destruction of properties are among the many crimes perpetrated by the military junta. Throughout the year, HURFOM released a series of reports spotlighting various areas of concern, including the impacts of the junta’s deeply flawed forced conscription enforcement, the gendered implications of the conflict through the Voice Up series as well as weekly and monthly updates that provided context on the alarming erosion of human rights in HURFOM areas.

The situation over the last 12 months has not improved. In the final monthly update of the year, HURFOM found an alarming increase in rights violations. The junta has scaled up its attacks and deployed new methods of terror, including drone attacks. Highly sophisticated weaponry, sourced from countries such as China and India, is being used against innocent civilians in their homes, villages, schools and clinics. In addition, as the junta loses bases and control on the ground, airstrikes are taking place at an average of at least seven per day. According to ALTSEAN Burma, in October alone, there were 294 air and drone strikes mainly targeting civilians in Burma.

Terror and fear have overwhelmed communities that continue to show unwavering courage in the face of unspeakable violence. The international community has delayed a response to the crises in Burma that is urgent and coordinated to ensure an effective and immediate end to the junta’s dictatorship.

Landmines

A local woman from Yam Pho village in Tanintharyi Township, Myeik District, lost one of her legs after stepping on a landmine near a road while picking betel nuts. The incident, which occurred at 10 AM. on November 29, highlights the growing risk posed by landmines in civilian areas.

According to local sources, 27-year-old Ma Thandar Oo was returning from picking betel nuts near a plantation in Kam Toe Old Village, close to the Yam Pho village road, when the explosion occurred. She sustained severe injuries, resulting in the loss of her foot. Although her condition remains uncertain, Ma Thandar Oo received treatment at Myeik General Hospital.

The presence of landmines in the area, reportedly planted by junta forces during their operations and retreats, has raised significant safety concerns among residents. Landmine incidents in Tanintharyi are on the rise, with civilians frequently becoming casualties of these hidden dangers.

In another case, a 14-year-old boy from Ka Naing Da village, Dawei Township, tragically lost his life after stepping on a landmine while setting a fish trap. The explosion occurred at 7 AM on December 1, near a creek close to the village. The boy suffered severe injuries, lost both legs and died instantly at the scene.

The landmines had reportedly been planted by junta forces in the area, with warning signs posted nearby. Despite these warnings, the boy, who had been working at a rubber plantation near Shin Thar Lyaung Pagoda in Alae Kone village, unknowingly ventured into the dangerous zone.

“The explosion happened near the railroad bridge connecting Ka Naing Da to Saw Mi Nyo village. Warning signs were present, but locals still frequent the area,” a resident explained.

The boy’s body was discovered at 10 AM by a passerby, who informed his family. He was buried later that day. The tragedy comes months after the boy’s father was killed in July in Tha Yet Hnit Kwa village, where the family previously lived, due to artillery fire from the junta.

The incident highlights the growing danger civilians face in Burma’s conflict zones. Just a day earlier, on November 30, a 27-year-old woman from Kam Toe village in Tanintharyi Township lost her leg after stepping on a landmine.

The Tanintharyi Region has witnessed widespread devastation, with over 40 civilians killed and 152 injured due to artillery fire, drone strikes, and landmines planted by junta forces.

A young man lost his life to a landmine explosion near Kone Myint Thayar village in the Sakan Gyi village tract of Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, on December 10.

The victim, Maung Thet Aung, in his early 20s, had left his home in Pa Nga village on December 4 to tap rubber at Kone Myint Thayar but failed to return. His family, growing concerned, began searching for him. On December 10, his body was discovered in the rubber plantation where he had been working.

Although the injuries caused by the landmine were not instantly fatal, locals believe Maung Thet Aung succumbed to his wounds within five days due to severe blood loss and the lack of medical assistance. By the time his body was found, he had been deceased for three to four days.

The landmine explosion caused devastating injuries to his legs, and while residents suspect that military junta forces planted the device, it is unclear which group was responsible.

His family brought his body back to Pa Nga village and held a funeral in accordance with local traditions.

This tragedy highlights the growing dangers in Thanbyuzayat Township, where landmines injured at least five civilians between August 22 and September 2 this year. Ongoing clashes between the military junta and resistance forces have intensified in the area, particularly in villages along the eastern side of the Ye-Thanbyuzayat highway. Both sides are reportedly laying landmines, making the region perilous for civilians.

In yet another case of landmine detonation, three female rubber plantation workers were severely injured by a landmine explosion near Yae Ta Khun village in Sakhan Gyi village tract and Ka Line Pa Daw village in Wae Khami village tract, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State.

The incident occurred on December 8, at 9 AM, when the women were clearing a rubber plantation located between Kone Myint Thayar and Ka Line Pa Daw villages. Two of the victims accidentally stepped on a landmine during their work.

25-year-old Ma Wa Wa Htwe sustained critical injuries to both legs and her right hand, while her younger sister, 16-year-old Ma Mon Hnin Soe, suffered severe injuries to her eye, neck, and spine.

“The women work for four days and take a three-day break. On the day they returned, the accident happened. We had to transport Wa Wa Htwe by motorbike and carry Mon Hnin Soe out on a stretcher,” their mother shared.

The injured women were transported to Mawlamyine General Hospital by Thanbyuzayat Social Rescue Teams. Due to the severity of her injuries, Ma Mon Hnin Soe had to undergo surgery to remove one of her eyes.

The victims’ family originally hails from Pan Ta Naw in the Ayeyarwady Region and currently lives in Ka Line Pa Daw village. They rely on casual jobs and plantation work to survive.

In a separate incident on December 5, 43-year-old Ma Aye Mon from Kyone Ka Youk village was injured by a landmine explosion near a rubber plantation in Yae Ta Khun village. She suffered injuries to one ear and her body and is receiving treatment at Thanbyuzayat Hospital.

Landmine explosions have become a growing threat to civilians in conflict-affected areas of Thanbyuzayat Township, particularly in rubber plantation zones, where both livelihoods and lives are increasingly at risk.

According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), Burma recorded the highest number of landmine casualties worldwide in 2023, surpassing Syria. Over 1,000 people have been killed or injured in Burma this year alone.

Arbitrary Arrests

In Mon State’s Kyaikto Township, a member of the Kawsanaing Social Welfare Association has been sentenced to 10 years in prison under the Counter-Terrorism Law. The military junta accused the individual of supporting the People’s Defense Forces (PDF).

U Mya Aung, a member of the Kawsanaing Social Welfare Association based in Kawsanaing Ward, was convicted under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. The Kyaikto Township Court issued the sentence on November 27, alleging that he had financially supported PDF activities. He is currently serving his sentence at Thaton Prison.

The military junta had arrested U Mya Aung, along with three other members of the Kawsanaing Social Welfare Association, during a crackdown on June 13 and 14. The detainees included U Mya Aung’s daughter, Ma Chit Su Yadanar, Ko Chan Thar Aung, and U Soe Hlaing. They were apprehended from their homes and on local roads and accused of aiding the PDF.

Following their arrests, the junta initiated legal proceedings against all four individuals under the Counter-Terrorism Law. U Mya Aung is the first to receive a prison sentence. Meanwhile, the remaining three members are being held at the Kyaikto Police Station and continue to face legal proceedings. This case highlights the military junta’s increasing use of counter-terrorism charges to suppress perceived dissent and target individuals involved in social welfare activities.

On December 1, the junta detained a former village administrator from Tanintharyi Region’s Kawthaung Township. The incident occurred in the Mile 10 village tract, where 50-year-old U Than Oo was arrested by a large contingent of junta forces at around 7 p.m. from his home.

“During the arrest, they searched his phone and found political-related posts. They claimed they needed to investigate further and took him away,” said a family member close to the situation.

U Than Oo was a village administrator during the National League for Democracy (NLD) administration. After the military coup, the junta arrested him and sentenced him to two years in prison, but he was released in 2022.

“He is currently being held and interrogated at Kawthaung’s strategic camp. As of now, he has not been released,” a resident from Mile 10 village shared.

This arrest adds to the growing number of arbitrary detentions targeting former village and ward administrators in HURFOM’s documented areas. According to HURFOM data, more than 200 former administrators across Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region have been detained since the military coup.

These arrests are often justified by accusations of political affiliations or alleged connections to pro-democracy movements, with many detainees subjected to prolonged interrogations and harsh conditions.

The increasing crackdown on former administrators demonstrates the junta’s ongoing efforts to stifle dissent and exert control through fear and intimidation. As these arrests continue, affected communities face heightened insecurity and a lack of local leadership, further destabilizing governance in the region.

In a similar case, On December 1, 2024, the military junta arrested a former village administrator and five of his co-workers in a 7-mile village, Kaw Thaung Township, Tenasserim Division. The arrests were carried out at their homes, and the detainees were taken to a military strategic base in a 6-mile village.

Three days later, on December 4, the junta returned the lifeless body of the former administrator to his family members.

“His body was sent to his family three days after his arrest. It had visible bruises and injuries. The remains were cremated on December 5,” said a local source.

The junta claimed the former administrator was arrested for allegedly hiding bullets under a bath mat.

“It’s impossible to find bullets at his place,” said another source who requested anonymity.

The deceased was identified as U Than Oo, the former administrator of the 10-mile village tract. He was also accused of posting political content on his social media account and had been detained at the Kaw Thaung military strategic base since his arrest.

In a related incident, on December 4, the junta arrested 40-year-old Daw Khine Khine War at her home in a 14-mile village, accusing her of having connections with the detained administrators.

“She was arrested for allegedly having ties to the recently arrested administrators,” confirmed a resident.

All the arrested villagers have been moved from the Kaw Thaung military strategic base to a police station in 2-mile village, where they remain in detention. The arrests and killings have sparked fear and tension in the local communities, raising concerns about the junta’s increasing use of violence and arbitrary detentions.

In another case, one villager has been confirmed dead, and two others remain missing among six individuals detained by junta troops in Za Yet Seik village, Pulaw Township, Myeik District.

On November 23, the body of Ko Wa Htot, approximately 30 years old, was discovered near the Za Yet Seik village monastery following the departure of junta forces. The body bore signs of slaughter and was hastily buried on the western side of the monastery, as confirmed by residents. Ko Wa Htot had been among those forcibly taken by the junta.

Additionally, Ko Ngwe Hla and Ko Myint Phay, both in their 50s and Ko Soe Gyi, 35, were transferred to Battalion 285 near Pulaw town after their detention. However, two other detainees, Ko Chit Pu, in his 20s, and another unidentified man, have been missing since their abduction on November 4.

“There has been no news since the day they were taken. We’ve been unable to contact their families or hear anything about them,” a resident shared.

The arrests began on October 28 when junta troops entered Za Yet Seik village, detaining Ko Ngwe Hla, Ko Myint Phay, and Ko Wa Htot. Two days later, Ko Chit Pu and another man were also captured. As the troops withdrew from the village on November 6, they apprehended Ko Soe Gyi.

Since mid-October, junta troops have intensified their operations across Pulaw Township, targeting villages along the Myeik-Dawei Union Highway. Reports indicate multiple cases of villagers being arrested, tortured, and killed. The ongoing actions by junta forces underscore the increasing insecurity and humanitarian crisis in Pulaw Township.

Young women are also being targeted in arrests by the junta. May Yu Hlaing Hnin, approximately 20 years old, and her younger sister were apprehended on the afternoon of December 4 while running an errand in Dawei. The sisters were reportedly on a motorcycle when junta intelligence began monitoring them. They were later detained near a shoe store near the Myaung Palae Monastery School.

“Yu Hlaing Hnin lives in Wai Dee village, but her younger sister recently returned from Malaysia. They were arrested in Dawei,” said a resident.

The reasons for their arrest remain unknown, and the location where they are being held has not been disclosed. Since November 18, the military junta has intensified security measures in Dawei, conducting strict inspections at town entry and exit points, particularly in Eain Shay Pyin and Sin Seik wards. This comes after its troops were targeted in local attacks.

In Long Lone, Yebyu, and Tha Yet Chaung townships, the junta has expanded its operations into villages across the Dawei River, including Thein Twin, Taung Min Pyone, and Myo Haung. On November 21, in Myo Haung village, junta troops killed two men—U Kyi Win and Ko Naung Naung. One was buried, while the other was left covered with hay.

In another incident involving the arrest of an arbiter and subsequent enforced disappearance, nearly 50 male lead miners in Khoe Kyun, Boke Pyin Township, Myeik District, have been unaccounted for almost two months following their arrest by junta troops.

The miners were engaged in lead exploration and extraction using rafts in the Khoe Kyun area when junta forces arrived by boat on October 31. During the operation, the troops captured every male miner present, sparing only women and children. The arrested miners include local Boke Pyin residents and migrant workers from other regions.

“The junta is the one that grants mining permissions, but they also came back to arrest them,” said a local man familiar with the situation.

Following their detention, the miners were reportedly taken to the No. 13 Operations Command Headquarters (Sakakha-13) in Boke Pyin Township and later transferred to the local police station. However, as of December 16, families of the detainees have been unable to establish contact or learn the reasons behind their arrests.

In the aftermath, raft owners involved in the lead mining operations reportedly negotiated with junta troops, who demanded five lakh MMK per raft for their release.

Khoe Kyun, where the arrests occurred, is located between Alae Man and Stain villages. Only about ten households are nearby. The situation has left families anxious and unsure of their loved one’s fate, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.

Over ten youths, including women, have been detained at the junta-controlled checkpoint near Palaw Bridge in Palaw Township, Myeik District. Since December 10, the junta has arrested more than five individuals, including young men, women, and middle-aged men, at the checkpoint. Among the detainees were two young men and two young women, who were only released after paying a hefty ransom of 1 million kyats each.

The military junta has imposed strict curfew orders in Palaw Township, restricting movement between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM and banning two men from riding together on a motorcycle. Locals report that these curfews are being used to justify arbitrary detentions.

“They started this type of detention in December. People often forget about the arbitrary rules and restrictions they [the junta] impose,” said a local resident from Palaw.

There are growing concerns that these arrests are linked to forced recruitment for military conscription. Locals report that detainees include residents from Shan Bone village, Palaw Town, and men from other regions.

More than five detainees from Palaw have already been transported to Myeik via water routes. The military junta is currently conducting its 7th Batch of military training and is actively recruiting for the 8th and 9th Batches. It is feared that young and middle-aged men sent to Myeik may be coerced into conscription training.

In Myeik, ward administrators have reportedly warned young and middle-aged men to avoid venturing out at night to reduce their risk of detention.

Artillery Shelling
Three houses in Pa Yaw Hae village, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, were damaged on November 29 when junta troops stationed at the Waekali base fired artillery shells into the area.

The shelling began at around 3 p.m., with at least eight artillery rounds launched by the junta forces. Several shells landed and exploded near residential areas, causing structural damage to homes in the village.

“Around four shells would land consecutively each time they fired. We could even see flashes of light as they flew through the air,” shared a resident.

Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, as the affected area was unoccupied at the time of the attack. The shelling is part of escalating clashes between junta forces and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) joint forces, which have intensified since early November. The ongoing conflict has also led to daily airstrikes and further destruction, including homes in Zee Hnit Bin village being burned.

Since November 3, over 200 junta troops have advanced from Waekali toward Anan Kwin, triggering near-daily clashes with the KNLA. The violence has forced more than 1,000 residents from seven villages—including Loot Shan, Zee Hnit Bin, Pa Yaw Hae, and Sakan Gyi—to flee their homes.

Many displaced villagers have sought refuge in safer areas such as Thanbyuzayat and Mawlamyine, but due to the continuous conflict, they cannot return. Locals remain deeply concerned, as tensions show no signs of abating, and the displaced face prolonged uncertainty and hardship.

Human Shields

Junta troops entered the Mali Wun area of Kawthoung Township on December 4, detaining over 20 villagers and using them as human shields during their operations. They arrived in Mali Wun by boat from Kawthoung, arresting at least 20 men and women. The detainees were interrogated about the locations of PDF (People’s Defense Force) camps.

“As soon as they entered the village, they arrested everyone. They took three young men with them and left by boat,” a resident reported.

Four of the detained men were sent to the Infantry Battalion (IB-262), while nine women are being held at a location known as Kyun Kalap, guarded by police and soldiers. As of December 10, the women have not been released.

“The women are still being held where police and soldiers are stationed,” confirmed another resident.

The remaining men were forced to accompany the troops as human shields during military operations. Most detainees are workers from privately owned rubber plantations, residents of Kawthoung Township, and migrant labourers from Upper Myanmar. Troops remain active throughout the Mali Wun area, with villagers still detained.

Separately, on December 3, members of the Kawthoung Township KTLA (Karen National Liberation Army Air Force) arrested and questioned civilians from Aye Mya Thar Yar village. However, all detainees were released within hours.

Forced Conscription

A young man from Mok Tama village, Paung Township, Mon State, has been arrested and forcibly conscripted into military service. On the evening of December 5, a 24-year-old named Maung Aung Soe was detained by junta police at the Thanlwin Bridge in Mawlamyine while riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.

“They detained him for reckless driving. The young man had been drinking with friends before heading home. He’s been sent to the Mawlamyine military recruitment camp,” said a resident.

Although Maung Aung Soe’s family supports the military junta—his father is a member of a militia group—he has been conscripted. This incident follows a similar pattern in the area. On November 19, the junta arrested more than 20 young people from Paung Township for allegedly violating local orders and subsequently sent them for conscription training.

Reports indicate that at least 1,600 young men have been forcibly conscripted into military service from conscription batches 1 to 7, with many recruited through coercion or financial incentives.

According to the Burma Affair & Conflict Study (BACS), over 21,000 people nationwide have been forcibly recruited under the junta’s conscription program from batches 1 to 5. More than 13,000 newly trained soldiers have already been deployed to frontline combat.

On December 10, HURFOM released ‘Forced to Enlist,’ which documented the junta’s enforcement of conscription. Civilians have been subjected to numerous threats and abuses under the junta’s conscription law. Seven months have passed since HURFOM’s last report on forced conscription, and more cases of extortion and fear-mongering have been reported.

Military forces often raid villages searching for young recruits, leading to widespread fear and panic. Those who resist or attempt to hide are frequently beaten or detained. In some cases, entire families have been targeted, with parents threatened or arrested to force their children to enlist.

A severe shortage of recruits for conscription Batch 8 in Mawlamyine, Mon State, has led to young locals being detained at night and forcibly conscripted into military service, according to city residents.

Previously, authorities relied on substitutes such as migrant workers or individuals with criminal backgrounds, including drug users and thieves, to fill conscription quotas. However, the number of substitutes has dwindled significantly.

As a result, the junta has begun detaining individuals found outside after 8:00 p.m. Families who can afford to pay a ransom of 3,000,000 MMK have their relatives released, while others are forcibly conscripted.

“They started arresting people after 8:00 PM. My son was taken from our home. We were asked to pay to bring him back, but we couldn’t afford it. The military gave him 3,000,000 MMK and conscripted him,” said the father of one conscripted young man.

Due to the scarcity of willing substitutes, junta authorities are reportedly planning to summon young men registered for conscription directly to their homes. Legal action is being threatened against those who fail to comply.

Another method of detaining young men is nighttime inspections, often conducted under the pretense of census checks. These men are then conscripted into military service and offered a payment of 3,000,000 MMK.

In addition to these tactics, the junta has intensified curfews and local orders, deploying large forces to set up roadblocks and checkpoints during the day and night. According to local orders, individuals violating curfews or rules, such as the prohibition on two men riding motorcycles together, are targeted for arrest and potential conscription.

A resident of Bilin Township, who requested anonymity, confirmed that young men found outside after 10:00 PM. are often detained and forcibly conscripted. Across Mon State, the junta has imposed strict local orders in areas with active resistance forces, including Kyaikhto, Bilin, Thaton, Paung, and Ye Townships.

While conscripts could previously be hired for 3,000,000 MMK, the cost has now risen to 7,000,000 MMK, and fewer individuals are willing to take on this role. After military training, conscripts are deployed to frontline combat zones, where high casualty rates exacerbate recruitment shortages.

Since November 2024, at least five young men have been forcibly detained each month in Mawlamyine, Chaungzon, Paung, Thanbyuzayat, Kyaikhto, and Ye Townships and sent to military training, according to a source close to the junta.

As battles intensify and junta forces suffer continued losses nationwide, conscription efforts in Mon State have escalated, with military training programs now opening almost monthly.

Raids and Property Destruction

According to local sources, the Mawrawaddy Naval Force conducted five-night house-to-house inspections in the Kan Bauk area, Yebyu Township, Dawei District, starting December 1.

The inspections targeted different wards each night:

• December 1: Mya Thida Ward

• December 2: Khaing Thazin Ward

• December 3: Mi Kyaung Ai Ward

• December 4: Hlae Kone Ward

• December 5: Bo Byoke and Maggin Wards

“They check at night, ask to see household lists, go upstairs, and inquire if other people are staying,” said a resident who experienced the inspections.

Unlike routine neighbourhood guest list checks typically conducted by local administrators, the Mawrawaddy Naval Force exclusively conducted these inspections. Early in the evening, roads were blocked, and houses within the wards were inspected.

Nighttime raids and arrests have occurred in Kan Bauk since the military coup, but such extensive house-to-house inspections are unprecedented, heightening fear and anxiety among residents.

This increased activity comes amid growing tensions in the area. In July, a Mawrawaddy Naval Force member stationed in Kan Bauk disappeared along with a weapon. Additionally, in November, three newly trained soldiers from Infantry Battalion 273, also based in Kan Bauk, defected to the resistance group known as the Dawna Guerrilla Force.

The recent inspections reflect a broader escalation of military operations, contributing to the ongoing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for villagers in the region.

Forced Displacement

Renewed clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces against the junta troops near Anankwin strategic camp along the Thanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas Pass road on the Mon-Karen State border have forced thousands of villagers into prolonged displacement.

The fighting, which began on August 18, 2024, continues unabated. Residents of Anankwin and nearby villages, including Sakhan Gyi, Zee Hnapin, Yae Tagon, Payaw Hae, Oo Khwe-Daw Yein, Sakaw, and Lutt Shan, have been displaced. Over 1,000 villagers have sought shelter in Jungles, plantations, and temporary camps near Thanbyuzayat Township and Mawlamyine City.

However, the extended period of displacement has left them struggling with severe food shortages, inadequate shelter, and limited medical supplies, according to HURFOM field reports.

“Previously, people could return home after five or ten days, but now it’s impossible because of the junta’s ongoing airstrikes and heavy artillery. They even fire indiscriminately at locations where displaced villagers are hiding,” said a displaced resident from Anankwin.

The humanitarian situation has worsened since the rainy season. Internally displaced people (IDPs) suffer from flooding, unsanitary conditions, and the absence of aid organizations. With the onset of winter, the lack of proper shelter further exacerbates their plight.

In August alone, junta forces escalated attacks on villages near Anankwin, with heavy artillery and Y-12 fighter jets bombing the area between August 18 and 29. These airstrikes killed at least six civilians, including women and children.

“Junta troops have fortified their positions in Sakhan Gyi, Payaw Hae, and Zee Hnapin, causing widespread fear among residents. Most villagers remain unable to return home, fearing renewed violence,” reported a displaced villager currently sheltering in a nearby forest.

Ongoing junta airstrikes and artillery shelling have targeted civilian areas indiscriminately. In November, reports indicated that junta artillery units based in Waekali fired multiple rounds daily towards Anankwin and neighbouring villages. The use of military jets for reconnaissance and bombing runs has been documented nearly every day throughout November.

In addition to displacement, infrastructure in conflict zones has been severely damaged. Entire villages, such as Lutt Shan, including homes, monasteries, and public buildings, have been destroyed. Internet and communication services have also been cut off, further isolating affected communities.

A resident of Zee Hnapin village said, “It’s been over 10 days since we left our village. The junta forces are still stationed there; we don’t dare return. It’s hard to find enough food or proper shelter here in the forest.”

As clashes intensify, the humanitarian needs of displaced populations grow dire, and calls for aid organizations to intervene have become more urgent. With ongoing airstrikes, shelling, and an increasing military presence, the likelihood of villagers returning home remains uncertain, leaving thousands at risk of prolonged suffering.

Mon State

On the morning of December 1, junta forces detained three young men at the checkpoint near the Thanlwin Bridge, a key entry point to Mawlamyine.

“Security inspections at the city’s entry and exit checkpoints have become increasingly strict. The soldiers are thoroughly searching phones, and three youths were arrested this morning. The situation is getting much tighter,” a resident reported.

The three individuals, all males in their 30s, were taken away in a military vehicle. Their identities and current whereabouts remain unknown. This incident follows similar arrests at checkpoints in Mawlamyine last month.

On November 2, two young men, Ko Ye Htet Naing and Ko Min Htet Naing, both in their 20s, were detained after their phones were searched at the Kywe Chan Kone and Six-Mile checkpoints. They were later charged under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code for allegedly sharing social media posts critical of the military junta, which were deemed to “threaten national stability.”

“They were arrested during inspections when their phones were checked. The posts criticizing the junta were used as evidence against them,” said a resident from Mawlamyine. Both men remain in custody at Myain Tharyar Police Station and face trial at the Mawlamyine Township Court.

Earlier this year, in February, junta forces in Mawlamyine ramped up their crackdown on young people. Over 20 individuals were arrested during nighttime raids, with many facing extortion or threats, according to sources close to the detainees.

The ongoing targeting of youth and increased security measures highlight the junta’s efforts to suppress dissent and control information, exacerbating fear and insecurity.

The military junta has intensified security measures in Ye Township, Mon State, following an attack on its troops near Sone Nathar village. Reinforcements have been deployed, and inspections on main roads and at entry and exit points of Ye Town have become increasingly strict.

Since December 4, junta forces have bolstered their presence at key locations, including Ye Bridge, Chaung Taung Bridge, and checkpoints at the town’s entry and exit points. Travellers are now subjected to more rigorous inspections.

“There are strict inspections at the checkpoint. They (the junta) have increased their force compared to before. They inspect motorcycles, flip seats, and scour young people, including their pockets. Their searches also focus heavily on phones,” said a Ye Town resident.

Junta troops are conducting daily patrols around Ye Kapyar Wa, A Sin, Sone Nathar, and Ayu Taung, and militia groups have been ordered to intensify searches of travelers in A Sin and Ayu Taung. The heightened military activity has caused fear and anxiety among locals who avoid unnecessary travel because they are concerned about potential clashes.

The security measures follow a December 3 attack by the Ye Balu group on vehicles from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 343 travelling on Highway No. 8 near Sone Nathar village. The attack resulted in the deaths of three junta troops and injuries to several others.

Junta forces stationed at Ayu Taung (LIB 587) and Sone Nathar (LIB 343 and LIB 587) launched artillery fire. While no civilian casualties were reported, a local woman was slightly injured during the incident. Investigations into her injury are ongoing.

The junta also detained three members of a family from Mawkanin village, Ye Township, Mon State, who were arrested by the military junta. The victims are identified as U Soe, a 60-year-old betel nut seller near Mawkanin village junction; his wife, Mi Wu; and their youngest daughter, Mi Lin Lin Soe. On December 13th, at 5 PM., the military junta arrested U Soe and Mi Wu. The following day, December 14th, their daughter, Mi Lin Lin Soe, was also detained at their home.

“About 17 soldiers from Infantry Battalion No. 106 came and arrested them, accusing the family of supporting the PDF (People’s Defense Force),” said a resident.

Following the arrests, junta troops raided the family’s house. Sources close to the military report that U Soe and Mi Wu are currently held at IB No.106 headquarters in Ye Township, while their daughter, Mi Lin Lin So,e is detained at IB No.588. The family members have been prohibited from communicating with one another.

The arrests reportedly stemmed from an unrelated financial dispute. Zin Lin Soe, the family’s second son, had borrowed 20 million kyat from a villager in Mawkanin at a daily interest rate of 20%. When Zin Lin Soe and his family fled to Thailand due to financial difficulties, the money lender allegedly reported them to the junta, accusing them of ties to resistance groups.

Locals firmly deny these allegations, stating that U Soe’s family has no political affiliations and is a betel nut seller involved in small-scale land transactions and rubber trading.

In the same week, the military junta also detained at least four individuals, including two private tutoring teachers, from Ah Sin village. The arrests in Mawkanin village are part of a broader crackdown in Mon State. In November 2024, at least 13 people were arrested across the region under similar accusations.

In addition, the regime is resorting to land grabs to expand its control over the civilian population. The military junta has ordered the demolition of over 50 homes and shops in Ye Town, Mon State, accusing the residents of illegal land encroachment. The targeted properties include homes and shops in various wards, including Aung Myitta, Nanda, Yan Myo Aung, Khay Mar, Anawa, Malar, and Zeya. On November 25, the junta specifically ordered the removal of all shops encroaching along Yaza Thi Rit Road and Tanintharyi Road.

Additionally, nearly 40 homes east of the station in Aung Myitta Ward were ordered to be vacated by December 7. Residents were given a two-week deadline to dismantle their properties, with a warning that bulldozers would be deployed if they failed to comply.

“There are roadside shops and homes they consider as encroachment. They simply say it’s an order from above,” a resident said.

The homes slated for removal include those of locals and migrant workers from the Ayeyarwady Region. Many of them have lived in the area for over a decade since the administration of former President U Thein Sein. Over 50 homes, housing more than 200 residents, are affected.

“Ward administrators allowed them to build homes by paying a small fee over 10 years ago. Now, they’re being told to leave. Many residents have been renting out rooms to support themselves,” another resident explained.

Over a decade ago, ward administrators and local authorities informally sold the land in Aung Myitta Ward, allowing residents to purchase and settle the plots. However, disputes over ownership persist, and the junta now claims the plots are illegal.

The roadside shops reportedly extend about 15 feet into the original 130-foot-wide road. While the junta has ordered the removal of all roadside encroachments, residents plan to appeal to authorities to spare the homes from demolition.

Residents also allege that the newly appointed district administrative head for Ye Township has been pressuring homeowners to vacate their properties on farmlands, exploiting the threat of demolition for bribes.

“This land-grabbing tactic targets vulnerable residents and migrant workers, making them feel powerless and forced into paying bribes,” said a resident familiar with the situation.
The forced evictions have left residents fearing further displacement and financial hardship, as appeals to the junta’s directives often go unheard.

In a case of further disregard of properties, On December 17, at 3 PM, a high school in Alu Lay village, Bilin Township, Mon State, was deliberately set on fire by junta forces, according to local reports. There were no ongoing clashes in the area at the time of the incident, confirming that the school was intentionally targeted.

This incident reflects a broader pattern of destruction by the military junta since the 2021 coup, where community and civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, religious sites, and homes, have been systematically attacked in Mon State and other regions. Over the past three years, such targeted destruction has displaced thousands of civilians, disrupted education, and further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in conflict-affected areas.

Another concern in Mon State is that junta troops have been stopping motorcycles and vehicles on main roads and inter-village routes to conduct arbitrary license inspections, extorting money from travellers without police or traffic officer oversight.

Starting December 1, these operations intensified in Mawlamyine, Ye, Thaton, Kyaikhto, and Bilin townships. The troops have been particularly active in Thaton District, including Kyaikhto, Bilin, Thaton, and Paung, where men riding motorcycles together have frequently become targets of arrests under a military-issued local order.

Troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion, based in Bilin, along with their subordinate units, have been conducting inspections on roads such as Bilin-Taungsoon, Bilin-Shwe Hla, and Bilin-Netgyi. They stop motorcycles and vehicles for checks without police involvement and detain individuals for alleged violations of local orders.

From December 1 to December 31, this one-month operation deploys large forces at road junctions and intersections around the clock. Troops arrest men riding motorcycles together without explanation and immediately demand cash for their release, bypassing legal processes such as police stations or courts.

“Once caught, people must settle it on the spot with cash payments. They ask for varying amounts but typically demand at least 35,000 kyats for minor violations and up to 100,000 kyats if a motorcycle lacks a license,” a local man explained.

During inspections, troops check for licenses, helmets, side mirrors, land icense plates and even search car interiors and under motorcycle seats. Reports indicate that people out after 10:00 p.m., especially young men, are frequently targeted.

Mawlamyine, Ye, and Bilin residents have voiced frustration over the arbitrary inspections and extortion but remain silent out of fear of retaliation. In addition to monetary extortion, there are alarming reports of detainees being forced into military service if their families cannot pay the demanded amount.

“After 10:00 PM, they arrest anyone riding together on a motorcycle. If you can’t pay, they put you into the army,” said a young man who was recently detained.

The junta’s actions have created widespread anxiety among young people in Mon State, making nighttime travel increasingly dangerous. Many have been arrested under accusations of violating local orders, which include bans on two men riding motorcycles together. In towns like Kyaikhto, Bilin, Thaton, Paung, and Ye—where resistance forces are reportedly active—local orders have been used as a pretext to detain and extort residents.

Locals also note that unlicensed motorcycles are widely sold by shops in these areas, and young people often purchase and use them, leading to further exploitation by the junta and police.

On December 19, 2024, at approximately 8:45 PM, artillery shells fired from Light Infantry Division (LID) 602 struck two villages in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State. The shells, believed to be 120 mm mortars, landed in Kyaung Ywar and Win Kalaw villages, causing devastation and civilian casualties.

One of the shells hit the home of Ko Myo Hlaing Win (age 32) and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Win (age 27), near the village monastery in Win Kalaw. Tragically, Ko Myo Hlaing Win was killed instantly from the impact of the shell, while Daw Kyu Kyu Win sustained severe injuries. She was transported to Kyaikto Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

According to HURFOM’s documentation, this incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating military offensives in Kyaikhto Township. Over the past year, HURFOM has recorded numerous cases of indiscriminate shelling in civilian areas, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread displacement. The junta’s systematic use of heavy artillery in populated regions continues to violate international humanitarian law, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and protection for civilians.

Residents in Mon State remain under constant threat as junta forces intensify their military campaigns, further displacing communities and destroying homes and livelihoods. This latest attack reflects the dire human rights situation in the region and the continued suffering of innocent civilians amid ongoing armed conflict.

Karen State

On November 24, a local man sustained severe injuries from a landmine explosion on the Phar Pon–Ka Ma Maung Road in Phar Pon Township, Karen State. The incident occurred when the man, his wife, and their son were returning home to Bot Kyoe Lell village from Mawlamyine by motorbike and unknowingly ran over a landmine.

The father suffered serious injuries to his face and thigh:

“His condition is critical, so he was transferred from Ka Ma Maung Hospital to Hpa-An Hospital. However, the doctor has recommended further treatment in Yangon due to insufficient equipment and medicine. Unfortunately, he cannot afford the trip,” a local source shared.

The wife and son sustained minor shrapnel injuries and were initially treated at Ka Ma Maung Hospital before being transferred to Hpa-An Hospital for further care.

The explosion site is in a conflict zone where the military junta, the Border Guard Force (BGF), and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) are active. However, it remains unclear which group planted the landmine.

Since 2022, the KNLA has restricted movement on the Phar Pon–Ka Ma Maung Road to limit the junta’s transportation activities, increasing risks for civilians travelling through the area.

On December 17, a 70-year-old man lost his life, and two women were injured when artillery shells fired by the junta forces struck villages near the Thanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas Road in Kyar Inn Seik Gyi Township, Karen State. This incident is the latest in a string of civilian casualties caused by the military’s indiscriminate shelling, according to HURFOM and local sources.

The victims were targeted as junta troops stationed near Yetagun village launched artillery attacks in an attempt to suppress resistance forces, countering their reinforcements heading toward the Anankwin strategic base. Villages such as Win Taung and Nan Khwe suffered the brunt of the shelling.

The deceased civilian was identified as U Aung Chit, aged 70, from Win Taung village, who died instantly from the explosion. Two women, Daw Mu Lin Kyi, 50, and Daw Pa Kyi, 53, sustained severe injuries caused by shrapnel and were rushed for medical assistance.

“On that day, at 1 PM, shells were fired indiscriminately toward villages near the base. These attacks caused loss of life and injuries to innocent civilians,” said a local witness.

The junta frequently uses Yetagun village as a launching pad for reinforcements advancing toward Anankwin and for shelling nearby areas. Troops from the Southeastern Command and Weh Kalee-based battalions often support these operations, leading to repeated clashes and widespread harm to civilians.

According to HURFOM’s latest data, areas in Karen State targeted by the junta have experienced a significant rise in extrajudicial killings. Over 375 civilians have been killed across HURFOM’s documentation zones in 2024 alone, with Karen State accounting for a substantial portion of these deaths. Additionally, more than 1,200 civilians have been injured, and thousands have been displaced due to relentless attacks, forced conscription, and arbitrary detentions.

These figures underscore the devastating impact of the Junta’s ongoing campaign of violence. HURFOM continues to call on the international community to denounce these atrocities and take concrete actions to ensure accountability for the junta’s crimes against civilians in Karen State and beyond.

Tanintharyi Region
In November 2024, the Tanintharyi Region saw devastating civilian casualties as the military junta’s operations claimed the lives of eight civilians and injured 17 others across Yebyu, Long Lone, Dawei, and Myeik townships. The deaths and injuries resulted from artillery shelling, landmine explosions, drone strikes, and direct military attacks.

Civilian Deaths in Yebyu Township

Three villagers were killed in Yebyu Township during junta operations. On November 23, U Kyi Soe, a 40-year-old resident of Thabyay Zone village, was shot and killed near Ya Line village School while riding a motorcycle in the Nabu Lae area.

The next day, November 24, 76-year-old U Nyan Shein was fatally shot while attempting to flee on a motorcycle near Kyauk Whet Kone village. Additionally, the body of an unidentified man with head injuries was discovered on December 3, near the clash site in Kyauk Whet Kone village. Villagers suspect he was shot on the same day as U Nyan Shein.

Escalating Violence in Long Lone and Dawei Townships

Military operations intensified in Long Lone and Dawei townships following an attack on junta troops on November 18. A three-wheeled driver was killed near an alcohol distillery in Dawei. On November 21, U Kyi Win, a mason shop owner, and Ko Naung Naung were shot dead by junta troops in Myo Haung village. One body was buried, while the other was left covered with straw.

Raids conducted by the junta during these operations led to mass detentions and looting. Villagers reported that nearly half the homes in some areas were ransacked, with valuables stolen. Around ten villagers were detained, five of whom were forced to serve as human shields for the troops.

Artillery Shelling and Landmine Tragedies

Artillery strikes in Myeik and Dawei townships claimed more lives. On November 15, in Myeik Township, a young man was killed, and his father was critically injured when an artillery shell hit a road near Ton Byaw village. Residents described the area as frequently targeted, with daily artillery fire instilling fear in the community.

On November 16, in Dawei Township, a 19-year-old woman was killed, and five migrant workers were injured when artillery fired by the junta struck near the Shwe Gu Bridge checkpoint in Shin Mok Hti village.

Landmines planted by junta troops caused further tragedies.
On November 30, a 14-year-old boy died after stepping on a landmine while fishing in Ka Naing Dar village, Dawei Township. Earlier, on November 10, a woman was injured by a landmine near Kyauk Ka Nya village, Yebyu Township. Landmine incidents were also reported in Palaw Township, injuring three men and one woman.

Drone Strikes and the Continued Toll

In Tanintharyi Township, a drone strike by the junta on November 26 injured two men, aged 23 and 55, in Ka Tawt Kam village.

The cumulative toll of violence in the Tanintharyi Region throughout 2024 has been devastating, with over 43 residents killed and at least 169 injured due to artillery shelling, drone strikes, and landmine explosions.

Landmine Crisis

On November 20, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) identified Burma as the country with the highest number of deaths and injuries caused by landmines globally. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as the junta’s tactics escalate fear, displacement, and loss across the region.

Meanwhile, ongoing conflict continues to forcibly displace innocent people. Residents of Zadi village tract in Yebyu Township, Dawei District, are fleeing their homes as clashes between junta forces and People’s Defense Forces (PDF) escalate, cutting off communication and transportation routes, according to displaced locals.

The conflict intensified on the morning of December 19, near Khwe Ma Phaw village, prompting mass evacuations. Earlier, on December 17, at 4 AM, revolutionary forces reportedly captured a junta camp stationed on Yay Kan Taung, seizing weapons and neutralizing 10 soldiers, as stated by local resistance fighters.

Following the attack, reinforcements of approximately 100 junta troops advanced from Khwe Ma Phaw village toward Yay Kan Taung. On December 18, five military vehicles from the Mawrawaddy Naval Base and Infantry Battalion 273 arrived near Pa Ya village, conducting search operations. By December 19, three additional vehicles had reinforced the area. As of December 20, junta troops remain stationed around Khwe Ma Phaw and Pa Ya villages.

“A clash broke out near Khwe Ma Phaw village on December 19, starting in the morning and continuing until about 11:00 a.m. when artillery fire subsided. Villagers had no choice but to evacuate to safer areas,” said a local source.

The situation has severely disrupted transportation and communication. Junta forces have established checkpoints on major roads, including the Kan Bauk-Kalain Aung and Yebyu routes. During the fighting on December 17, junta troops launched artillery fire from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., forcing vehicles heading toward Dawei to turn back. As of December 20, nearly all transportation in the region has been halted.

On December 19, two artillery shells landed outside Phar Chaung village, causing explosions but no casualties. Junta forces have since blocked the Kalain Aung-Kan Bauk and Nabule-Zadi roads while reinforcing their presence in Maw Gyi village in the Phaung Taw village tract. Artillery positions have been set up in the center of Maw Gyi village near the football field, displacing villagers in Phar Chaung and nearby areas due to relentless attacks.

As of the evening of December 17, heavy artillery fire was launched from the Mawrawaddy Naval Base Headquarters and a naval vessel stationed near the Zadi River, targeting areas around Kan Bauk and causing alarm among residents.

At the end of December, the recent arrival of a heavily armed naval vessel near Tizit village, a coastal town in Launglon Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, caused over 280 households to flee their homes. The Mawrawaddy Naval Command’s warship, identified as Vessel No. 565, approached the shoreline early December 27, creating widespread panic among villagers.

The warship, identified as Vessel No. 565, reportedly entered proximity to Tizit’s shoreline on the morning of December 27, 2024. The presence of the heavily armed vessel caused widespread panic, prompting villagers to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.

A 45-year-old displaced villager from Tizit explained:

“The warship came alarmingly close to the village, fully armed and aimed in our direction. We grabbed what we could carry and evacuated women, children, and the elderly safely. Some villagers didn’t even have time to pack food or supplies.”

This is not an isolated incident. Last week, the same vessel fired artillery shells into nearby farmlands, destroying property and uprooting livelihoods. Villagers recount over 20 artillery rounds being fired around Tizit on December 22 and 23, leaving the community in constant fear.

“Rumours of ground troops joining the naval forces have only deepened the anxiety,” said a 30-year-old male villager from Tizit village.

On January 1, 2025, a resident of Launglon township told field researchers, “We are terrified of what’s coming. People are sheltering wherever they can, but there’s no sense of security anymore.”

The displaced now face unimaginable challenges. Families are huddled in makeshift shelters with no access to sufficient food, water, or medical care. Many have fled into nearby forests, while others have sought refuge in overcrowded camps.

The sudden evacuation left them with no time to prepare, forcing them to leave behind essential belongings. Despite their resilience, their suffering is palpable.

Adding to the chaos, the naval vessel has reportedly been harassing local fishing boats, inspecting them forcibly and extorting money. For communities that rely on fishing to survive, this harassment has crippled their livelihoods and heightened their sense of vulnerability.

The situation in Launglon Township reflects the broader crisis in western Dawei. Junta forces continue to escalate their campaigns, with civilians caught in the crossfire. Entire communities, like those in Tizit village, are being uprooted and forced to live in constant fear and uncertainty.

“As I reflect on the plight of these displaced families, I am reminded of their extraordinary resilience in the face of unthinkable hardship. But resilience alone is not enough. They need support – immediate humanitarian assistance to address their basic needs and international pressure to stop these atrocities,” a HURFOM field reporter said. Please download the full report

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Monthly Report, News