3,000 residents flee their villages as military launches operation in Kyike Hto

July 21, 2023

HURFOM: On July 14, 2023, the junta launched a military operation in Kyike Hto Township, Mon State involving a massive number of troops; more than 3,000 residents had to flee from their villages, according to the statement of the Thaton District Karen National Union.

The junta launched artillery attacks targeting Hngat Pyaw Taw and Ah Lu villages located in the township, then entered the villages with about 150 troops. About 700 households totalling a population of 3,000 from Zee Gone, Pi Dauk Taw, Chan Myae, Hngat Pyaw Taw, Ka Ra Way Saint and Shan Su villages fled their homes.

“As the military entered the village, we had to run away that night. The rain hasn’t stopped so the elderly people and children are in trouble. We’re urgently in need of shelter,” said a Ze Gone resident.

Beginning in early July, the military junta launched artillery attacks on villages in Kyike Hto Township and destroyed at least 20 religious buildings and houses.

On July 16, 2023, there was an armed clash between the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and junta forces shot and killed three villagers, according to the Thaton District Karen National Union.

Those who fled are staying in plantations and forests. It has been raining continuously, making their situation dire. The displaced persons have no food or other resources, and are in urgent need of assistance.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News