More than 5,000 villagers displaced by a Burma Army (BA) offensive in eastern Loikaw Township, Karenni State, desperately need food, medicine and shelter.

A male volunteer helping them told Kantarawaddy Times they couldn’t take anything with them as they quickly fled their villages after fighting broke out between BA and the combined forces of Karenni Army (KA) and Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).

He said fighting is frequent in Loilan Lay sub township and several artillery shells fired from the BA destroyed peoples’ homes.

The KNDF spokesperson said fighting was increasing as the BA continued its offensive. “They’re making life difficult for the residents. The soldiers have planted landmines around their villages and have broken into people’s houses to steal their property,” he said.

‘We do not like that they’re invading the area where we live… If they continue their offensive and clearance operation, clashes are sure to increase.”

On September 2, BA Light Infantry Battalion 427 and Infantry Battalion 102 attacked villages in Demawso Township. And on Wednesday, KNDF and KA clashed with BA near Hkawng Ei village, located in Pekon Township, southern Shan State.

The KNDF reported that at least one BA soldier was wounded, but no soldier on either their side or KA was injured.

Kantarawaddy Times couldn’t confirm this information.

 

According to the KNDF, last month there were 21 clashes in Karenni State, including 7 in Loilan Lay.