Fighting between the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and the Myanmar military in Kayah State has left many conflict-affected civilians facing food and water shortages, according to Karenni relief groups.

A local humanitarian aid worker said Karenni internally displaced people (IDPs) are struggling amid the hot summer months.

“Refugees urgently need food and drinking water. The fighting intensified, forcing people to flee their homes. The Myanmar military fired heavy artillery shells at the refugee camp, forcing the refugees to flee again. These conditions, as well as the hot weather, make it even more difficult for them,” the aid worker told DMG.

More than 200,000 people have been displaced by more than a year of fighting in Kayah State, according to a Karenni aid group.

“We are helping the locals to get the drinking water they need. Some of the food we are currently receiving is being donated to refugees. The food is enough to help the refugees for a while,” said a KNDF member.

According to local sources, the KNDF has temporarily closed some roads in Kayah State due to recent fighting in Demoso, Hpruso and Loikaw townships.