After junta troops had been stationed in a village located on the border between Hpruso and Bawlakhe townships in Karenni State for over a month, they began torching civilian homes on March 28, according to a local resident.

The fire could be seen from a distance, and it is estimated that around 16 houses were destroyed.

“We couldn’t go back to check closely because soldiers are still there, and we’re also afraid of landmines around the village. From what we could estimate, at least 16 houses were burned down,” said a local resident.

Due to the continued presence of junta troops in the village, residents have not yet been able to return to inspect their homes. Concerns over landmines have also made it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.

“It’s still very difficult to travel because the soldiers are still there,” the resident added.

Since February 5, junta forces have been conducting military operations along the Hpruso–Bawlakhe border, using heavy weapons and drones. As a result, most villages in the area have been forced to flee.

Residents from the affected village have now been displaced for over two months and are in need of humanitarian assistance at their current shelter locations. The village where the homes were burned has more than 50 households.