More than 5,000 residents of Tanintharyi Region have fled their homes in recent days due to clashes between the Myanmar military and joint opposition forces including local People Defence Forces (PDFs) and Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 4 troops.

The two sides have fought with regularity from February 17-20, forcing people from Tanintharyi, Dawei, Yebyu, Thayetchaung and Palaw townships to evacuate, taking shelter in nearby orchards, forests and IDP camps.

During clashes at Pawa and Lae Thit villages in Tanintharyi Township on February 18, houses were burnt down as the Myanmar military fired heavy weapons, a resident of Pawa village told DMG.

“The military fired artillery shells. It hit houses and caught fire. We are now taking shelter at a nearby orchard,” she said.

Most residents are still hiding in nearby forests while some villagers are taking shelter at IDP camps, said aid groups for IDPs.

An official of a Dawei-Tanintharyi IDP support group said medicines and food are urgently needed due to the recent rise in IDPs.

“The number of IDPs has been increasing at the moment. They are in dire need of food, medicines and healthcare,” the official said.