Intense fighting has erupted in the eastern part of Demoso Township, located in Karenni State.
The Military Council is conducting airstrikes and aerial bombardments using 500-pound bombs.
According to the Kantarawaddy Times reporter on the ground, the fighting occurred from May 14-19th "Since May 14, there has been intense fighting in the eastern part of Demoso.
During this time, the Military Council has bombed the area where no fighting occurred, including villages and an IDP camp. As a result, many houses have been damaged," said the Kantarawaddy Times ground reporter.
Since early March, the Military Council has been conducting a combat operation from both LoikawTownship and Bawlakhe Township to control the important Loikaw-Demoso-Bawlakhe road. This operation has been ongoing for over two months now, specifically targeting the eastern side of Demoso Township.
On May 18, at 4:00 a.m., the Military Council conducted an airstrike on an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp located east of Demoso. Prior to that on May 17 at 3.30 am they carried out three airstrikes targeting villages in close proximity to the area.
No casualties were reported in the village as the local residents had evacuated beforehand. However the incident resulted in damage to a school and seven houses.
Since early March, the Military Council has been conducting a combat operation from both LoikawTownship and Bawlakhe Township to control the important Loikaw-Demoso-Bawlakhe road. This operation has been ongoing for over two months now, specifically targeting the eastern side of Demoso Township.
Throughout the duration of the conflict, which has lasted for over two months, the Military Council has been launching intense attacks using both their air force and army.
Starting from May 14, intense fighting has persisted for six consecutive days near Seven Stages Lake, which is situated close to Hta Nee Lar Leh village in the eastern part of Demoso Township. The clashes continued until May 19.
Kantarawaddy Times' ground reporter said, "The fighting began this morning at 6 am and it is extremely fierce. The villages are being bombarded with a large number of artillery shells. The Military Council is using unmanned scouts and conducting reconnaissance operations. Yesterday they spent the whole morning and afternoon with reconnaissance and continued today."
The airstrikes and artillery shells during the conflict have damaged over 100 homes, including hospitals and clinics. Furthermore, the arson attacks of the Military Council have resulted in the destruction of people's homes, motorcycles, and cars.
