Thousands Newly Displaced as Junta Escalates Shelling and Ground Attacks in Tanintharyi Region

May 30, 2025

HURFOM: In recent weeks, junta offensives across Yebyu and Tha Yet Chaung townships in Tanintharyi Region have intensified, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. HURFOM field documentation confirms that at least eight villages have been affected by daily indiscriminate artillery attacks and ground operations, driving widespread fear and deepening the ongoing humanitarian crisis in southeastern Burma.

The shelling is being carried out by Light Infantry Battalions (LIB) 406 and 407, and naval units under the Mawrawaddy Command, based at Ohn Pin Kwin. Villages including Sein Bon, Min Thar, Sin Swe, Nat Kyi Sin, Phaya Thon Su, Yay Ngan Gyi, Kyauk Ta Lone, and surrounding areas have been repeatedly targeted.
A volunteer assisting displaced families explained:

“There are now five thousand who have fled. The number has grown quickly, and shelter space is not enough. Food shortages are becoming serious, and with the rainy season starting, illnesses like dengue, diarrhea, and malaria are a growing threat. There are very few medical supplies or healthcare workers—it’s deeply worrying.”

On May 26-27, 2025, junta soldiers also entered Min Dut village in Tha Yet Chaung Township, along the Dawei–Myeik highway, and detained at least 11 local residents, according to witnesses.

“Troops are currently stationed inside Min Dut. We’ve heard that 10 or 11 villagers were arrested, but so far none have been released. The exact situation remains unclear,” a resident said.
Min Dut village is located near Winwa Bridge, where junta troops operate a checkpoint and police station that have been frequently targeted by resistance forces. Armed clashes are frequent, and many villagers have been forced to flee for safety.

New Displacement Near Dawei Special Economic Zone

Fighting also erupted near the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on the morning of May 29, when junta ground troops launched an offensive toward Ekkani village, west of the SEZ. This triggered at least three separate clashes in a single day between junta forces and local resistance groups. The full extent of casualties is still unknown.

As a result of the fighting, more than 1,000 villagers from Wet Chaung, Khamaung Chaung, Ekkani, Ya Ngae, and Wa Zone have fled their homes and are now taking refuge in nearby forests, gardens, and makeshift shelters.

According to local observers, the junta’s push into this area appears connected to efforts to secure territory around the SEZ, particularly following a recent investment agreement with Russia. In response, the junta has escalated military operations to dislodge resistance groups from nearby areas.

According to the latest monthly update by FE5 Thanintharyi, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Tanintharyi Region has surpassed 75,000, with communities facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and medicine. The situation remains urgent, as daily airstrikes, artillery shelling, and village raids leave civilians with no safe place to go.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News