Heavy Clashes in Karen State Force Thousands to Flee as Junta Intensifies Attacks with Artillery and Drones

August 21, 2025

HURFOM: Residents in Kyon Doe Township, Kawkareik District, Karen State, are facing another wave of displacement as junta forces continue to launch heavy assaults on civilian areas along the Kyon Doe–Nabu road. Local sources reported that indiscriminate shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks have devastated villages, forcing thousands to flee their homes in fear.

Over the past two weeks, fighting has erupted daily between junta troops and resistance forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). The clashes have been concentrated around Chaung Phya village and surrounding areas, where at least eight villages, including Ohn-Tabin, Yay-Pu-Gyi, Ngar-Tai, Koh-Wa-Lae, Win-Pya, Lay-Taing, Nyinyar-Thar-Lin, and Inn-Gyi, have been emptied as residents fled for safety.

“The junta has been firing artillery, using drones, and carrying out air raids. Many families fled weeks ago, but some elderly villagers stayed behind. Those of us who escaped are struggling with food shortages. We only brought a little rice with us, and now it is almost gone. If this fighting continues, survival will be very difficult—especially for children and the elderly,” said a 40-year-old displaced villager who fled with his family on July 16.

A local People’s Defense Force (PDF) commander told HURFOM that junta forces have reinforced their operations with troops from No. 12 Military Operation Management Command (MOMC-12) and Infantry Battalion No. 97, both based in Kawkareik Town. “The military is using villagers as human shields, forcing people to remain in contested areas to protect their columns. This is a grave war crime,” he said.

Residents who managed to flee expressed deep worry for relatives still trapped in villages. “Many families are still stuck inside. They are being used by the military as cover. We are extremely worried for their safety,” one displaced person told HURFOM.

Reports also indicate that artillery shells have landed inside villages, damaging homes and destroying local livelihoods. One villager explained: “We have been displaced for nearly two weeks now. Only a few remain in the villages—mostly elderly people who cannot travel. The rest have fled into the forests or nearby safer areas.”

According to military sources, junta forces have suffered casualties and were forced to retreat during some battles. Nevertheless, the army has continued to reinforce its offensives in an attempt to regain control over the Kyon Doe–Nabu and Kyon Doe–Kawkareik roadways, as well as strategic points along the Asia Highway. Heavy weapons, drones, and airstrikes are being deployed in these operations.

The humanitarian consequences are devastating. Thousands of displaced civilians are now in urgent need of food, medicine, and shelter. Without swift humanitarian assistance, the situation for these communities, already living in dire conditions, will only worsen.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News