Warplane Reconnaissance Sparks Panic Among IDPs Along Thailand-Karenni Border

Warplane Reconnaissance Sparks Panic Among IDPs Along Thailand-Karenni Border

Certain individuals among the IDPs from the Daw Noe Khu IDP camp, who had sought temporary shelter along the Thai border, became frightened due to the presence of Military Council's reconnaissance planes along the Thai-Karenni border.

On August 20, around 3:00 pm, a wave of panic spread among the IDPs as the Military Council's reconnaissance planes passed overhead.

"At the sound of warplanes, they quickly flee, driven by insecurity and the fear of airstrikes. The scene is chaotic. To illustrate, even a woman showering darts away with shampoo in her hair," reported a witness at the IDP camp.

After being targeted by airstrikes from the Military Council on July 12, the Daw Noe Khu IDP camp's residents fled into Thailand, where they were provided temporary residency by the Thai authorities.

As per accounts from individuals aiding the IDPs, certain members of the displaced population have been emotionally impacted by the events during that period, causing them to experience anxiety whenever they hear the sounds of warplanes and explosions.

"I notice the displaced people getting ready to run away as soon as they hear the warplane sounds," remarked a witness at the IDP camp.

According to Colonel Phone Naing, the Adjutant General of the Karenni Army (KA), it is possible that the Military Council's warplanes and helicopters were engaged in transporting weapons and supplies to military bases, without any recorded instances of airstrikes.

"It's possible that it involves bringing in supplies and bringing back patients. Supplies refer to food, and there will also be ammunition transported. Bombs aren't dropped by warplanes; fighter jets cover the airspace above, while helicopters handle the lower positions," clarified Colonel Phone Naing, the Adjutant General of the Karenni Army (KA).

As of now, there are over 9,000 Karenni IDPs residing in Thailand, and the Daw Noe Khu IDP camp, subjected to an airstrike by the Military Council, houses around 4,000 individuals.

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