The fighting continues between the Tatmadaw and the People’s Defense Forces,  in the area of Loikaw, Kayah State.  As a result civilians are still fleeing, according to an aid worker who recently had to leave the area.

“People are fleeing to Rangoon, Mandalay, Taunggyi and Nay Pyi Taw every day. Most of them have gone. However, there are some people who can’t go anywhere at all,”  said the aid worker.

Locals have been fleeing Loikaw since January 7 due to the fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Karenni Army (KA), the Karenni National Defense Forces (KNDF), the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and other coalition groups.

“Most of Loikaw’s population has fled. There are a lot of cars on the road. Previously, we could reach Taunggyi in 2 hours. Now it takes about three and a half hours. There are a lot of cars to avoid — it takes a lot of time.” said an individual  who has been  helping refugees.

Fighting intensified in Loikaw. On 11 January, when two planes attacked the area and on the morning of January 12, heavy artillery fire was heard.

The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) reports that more than 170,000 people have fled the area due to the fighting in Dimawso and Phruso townships in Kayah (Karenni) State, as well as in Moe Pyae Township in southern Shan State.