Travelers are in fear as junta attacks Thanbyuzayat-Ye highway roads

June 23, 2023

HURFOM: On June 20, 2023, the 27th Battalion of the 5th Brigade of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People Defense Forces (PDF) stopped and checked travelers on the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei Highway Road.

In response the military junta launched an artillery attack as they were checking travelers.

The 317th Artillery Battalion launched five artillery attacks with shells exploding in a nearby rubber plantation.

“People were not harmed as the artillery shells landed in the rubber plantation. However, plantation workers are afraid and dare not go to the plantation at the moment,” said a local resident.

On June 15, the joint forces of the KNLA and the PDF announced they controlled the Thanbyuzayat-Ye-Dawei Highway Road and would stop and check vehicles, and arrest or seize persons and materials connected to the military junta.

On June 18, these joint forces arrested four suspected members of the military junta traveling on the highway road.

“They (junta) aren’t pleased that their members were arrested by the Karen forces so they responded with an artillery attack,” said a local villager.

The junta has launched indiscriminate artillery attacks on highway roads, creating insecurity.

“I had to travel with fear before, and we have more fear now. There have been frequent armed clashes on Ye-Thanbyuzayat Road after the coup. Various armed groups have been responsible for some attacks. We’ve done nothing wrong but we experience fear when seeing weapons and military uniforms. I have monthly medical appointments that require me to travel, and I have to put my trust in God amidst this insecurity,” said a local traveler.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Commentary, News