David Eubank, the founder of Free Burma Rangers, in a newly- released video reported Junta war-planes striking a village in Hpasawng Township, Karenni State, that killed four villagers on June 25th.
In his documentary video released later the same day David Eubank said, "They arrived at the location with warplanes and conducted airstrikes. The houses were set ablaze by the shells and missiles launched from their warplanes. Both residential homes and churches were destroyed. Four villagers were killed on the street. It occurred on June 25, 2023, in Hpasawng, Karenni State."
On June 26, the bodies of the four deceased men were buried. According to residents of Hpasawng Township, the Military Council has been conducting airstrikes with warplanes and firing artillery shells since the second week of June.
In recent days, a fierce battle took place at the top of the Hpasawng Thanlwin bridge between the Karenni joint forces and the Military Council troops, who initiated a combat operation. No information has been released by the revolutionary forces regarding the battle.
As a result of the ongoing fighting, over 6,000 residents from Hpasawng Township and nearby villages have been forced to flee in order to seek safety. Local residents have reported that in addition to Hpasawng Township, near Ywar Thit town in Karenni State, the Military Council carried out airstrikes with warplanes on June 26, in the absence of any ongoing fighting.
A resident from Ywar Thit town said, "From the village, I had a clear view of the warplanes dropping bombs. The bombing took place around 6 o'clock outside Ywar Thit town.
Approximately six bombs were dropped. I haven't received any information regarding casualties. Yesterday, there was a combat operation, resulting in a battle, but it occurred a few miles away from the area targeted by the warplane. Following the airstrikes, they continued to unleash artillery shell attacks."
While there have been fights in the vicinity of Ywar Thit town, it is known from local sources that there has been no direct fighting within the town itself. However, the residents are fearful of potential airstrikes due to the Military Council troops' ongoing combat operations. As a precautionary measure, many locals are preemptively fleeing the area to ensure their safety.
There is currently ongoing fighting in both Mese Township and Hpasawng Township. The revolutionary forces involved in the conflict have not yet issued any public statements or updates regarding the situation.
According to reports, the conflict in Karenni State has resulted in over 250,000 local residents being displaced, seeking safety from the violence. Thai media has also reported that more than 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge in Thailand.
