Three people are dead, including two children, after Burma Army (BA) fighter jets bombed civilians in Hpruso Township in the junta's first air strike on an internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Karenni State.

Two camps were attacked in Monday's bombing, but only one had people living in it. The residents, originally from Mo So, were fleeing fighting in the township when the army killed at least 35 people from the village and burned their bodies in the vehicles they had fled in on Christmas Eve. Save the Children has confirmed that two of their staff, both young fathers, were among the deceased.

During the latest slayings, two fighter jets dropped four bombs on each of the camps at 1pm, a man who helped them and requested anonymity told NMG. He said two girls, aged 12 and 15, and a 52-year-old man were killed instantly when bomb fragments pierced the plastic roof of their shelter. At least 80 people were living in the camp and all have fled into the jungle.

After the Christmas Eve massacre, an IDP who preferred not to give his name said they came to the camp because they were afraid to live in Mo So. ''We didn't expect the Burma Army to attack the IDP camp with fighter jets.''

The man helping the IDPs said there had been no fighting in the the township for two weeks.

"We thought the camp was safe for them... They kill people whenever they want, without any regard for human life," he told NMG, just like the massacre near Mo So. The villagers now need immediate help as they had to flee again just weeks after the first time while their safety remains at risk. They're traumatised, he explained, and wonder when the next air strikes will take place.