At least 30 civilians were killed after Myanmar’s military junta troops opened fire in an area controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) in Kyaukkyi Township, according to a statement released by the group.

The incident occurred in Nyaunglaybin District of Bago Region after a junta military column advanced into the area.

According to the KNU, a joint column from Light Infantry Battalion 20, Infantry Battalion 264, and Light Infantry Battalion 439 entered Yaetwinkone Village Tract on March 5 and arbitrarily detained around 160 civilians.

Clashes later broke out on March 7 between junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) after the military column advanced into the area.

During the fighting, junta forces reportedly carried out bombing attacks using drones and jet fighters. As a result, around 25 civilians who had been detained by the troops were killed, while five others were executed, the KNU said.

The KNU also accused junta forces of continuing to target civilians across the country as part of efforts to maintain their grip on power, adding that human rights violations by the military have intensified in recent years.