More than 2,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering along the Thai-Myanmar border face acute danger from incoming junta airstrikes and heavy artillery as fighting intensifies between Myanmar military forces and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in southern Myawaddy Township, local aid workers reported Thursday.

The displaced population, currently taking refuge at the Palaw Ta Po camp near the Thaungyin (Moei) River, is trapped in Hpalu village and Minletpan village. 

Heightened combat activity and roaming junta columns have left civilians afraid to leave the camp, while rising monsoon river levels prevent safe retreat across the border into Thailand.

Fears of targeted strikes mounted after an August 17 junta artillery shell hit an adjacent Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) outpost, killing two DKBA members and wounding nearly 20 family members, including women and children.

“People are very worried as the fighting gets closer,” an aid worker told the Karen Information Center (KIC), noting that refugees are maintaining a low profile inside the camp to avoid detection by military aircraft. “We get very scared whenever we hear aircraft flying overhead. We don't dare go anywhere.”

The ongoing insecurity has forced camp schools to remain closed since July. 

Furthermore, transport disruptions and safety risks have led to a sharp drop in humanitarian aid delivery, leaving residents facing critical shortages of food and essential provisions. 

Local Karen National Union (KNU) administrative officials have issued alerts warning civilians to remain vigilant and avoid traveling toward Taneu Creek due to advancing junta forces.