A total of 53 civilian homes were burned down in areas along the Shan–Karenni border during October, according to a statement released by the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) on November 5.

The destroyed houses were located in the western part of Pekon Township, where the military junta and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) jointly carried out three separate arson attacks throughout the month, KnHRG reported.

On October 10, junta troops and PNO forces entered Myot Salone Village in western Pekon and set fire to homes. Just three days later, on October 13, they launched another raid on Baw Yar Village, burning down houses and forcing the entire community to flee. As a result, residents from both villages have become internally displaced and are now taking shelter in nearby areas.

Displaced civilians are already facing worsening humanitarian conditions, and the situation has become even more difficult for those whose homes were destroyed.

“The displaced people are in urgent need of basic necessities, as everyone is already aware,” said a local humanitarian aid worker assisting IDPs. “Some were forced to flee because of ongoing clashes, while others escaped after their homes and villages were burned down. In particular, displaced residents from Myot Salone Village in Pekon Township are facing extremely difficult conditions. Everyone is struggling, but for those who have lost their homes completely, life has become even harder.”

In addition, on October 29, junta soldiers stationed in Khauk Balock Village, western Dee Maw Hso Township, reportedly burned down several houses, though the exact number of destroyed homes has not been confirmed.

According to KnHRG, the junta’s arson attacks in October also destroyed four religious buildings in addition to civilian homes.