Fighting continues in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, and residents are still fleeing more than a month later.
Since December 1st of last year, clashes between military junta troops and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) joint forces have been ongoing in Kawkareik township.
According to residents, the fighting continued until early January, resulting in the deaths of local civilians and the destruction of homes due to mortar shell fire.
Military junta troops are now stationed in the township, as well as joint revolutionary forces, so the fighting continues.
“It’s been more than a month since I left the town, and there are no people in the town. When the military junta troops entered the town, some people did not flee.. Later, because they felt uncomfortable, they left the city. Now both sides are stationed in the town,” said a resident who fled.
In addition, residents of villages around Kawkareik Township are worried due to mortar shell fire.
A resident of Kyondoe said, “The battle is still ongoing, and traffic is proceeding cautiously. When they spot something, they shoot at it. If there’s a conflict, they also engage with aircraft. However, I can’t take time off from work, I have to earn a living. Despite Kyondoe not being directly involved, being in close proximity to where it’s happening makes me worried that mortar shells might fall.”
The on-going fighting has forced tens of thousands of Kawkareik residents to flee to Myawaddy, Hpa-an and Mawlamyine townships.
Mortar shell explosions, and aircraft attacks have killed at least 20 local residents and many others have been injured.
