The ongoing military offensive in the Tanintharyi Region by the junta has resulted in a significant increase in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over 63,600 people forced to flee their homes, according to a July report from the Fe 5 Tanintharyi research group.
The report highlights that the military’s aggressive operations have not abated in July, with large-scale attacks, including mortar shelling and airstrikes, targeting areas like Lelthit village in Tanintharyi Township. The village, already submerged by severe flooding, faced additional assaults from junta forces.
In addition to Tanintharyi Township, prolonged clashes have been reported in Kyunsu, Palaw, Launglon, and Yebyu Townships, forcing more than 35,380 residents in Dawei District to abandon their homes. The displaced populations from Dawei, Launglon, Yebyu, and Thayetchaung Townships are among those most affected by the ongoing conflict.
A volunteer from the Spring Love Foundation, which aids displaced individuals, explained the dual hardships faced by those in the region: “Not only are they dealing with the ongoing conflict, but the floods have also displaced them. People are forced to move repeatedly—once due to the floods, and again because of the deteriorating security situation.”
As the junta loses ground in northern Shan State, they have intensified their military efforts in the southern regions, leading to an increase in displacement across Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi areas. Nai Aue Mon, Program Director of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland, reported that more than 75,000 people have been displaced in these regions.
“They couldn’t hold onto northern Shan, so now they’re focusing on controlling the Asia Highway and reinforcing their presence in the south. The military’s offensive tactics and escalating violence are causing a surge in displacement, but reaching safe zones is becoming increasingly difficult. Civilians caught between the conflict zones find themselves with no safe refuge, and they can’t rely on the government or even ethnic territories for safety,” Nai Aue Mon explained.
The southern parts of Dawei, where access to information is limited, have seen severe human rights abuses. Civilians have been captured and used as human shields, with many going missing or being killed under unknown circumstances. The region has also seen forced recruitment into the military, adding to the local population’s suffering.
“In encounters with the military, people are often captured and used as human shields. We’ve received reports of people going missing or being killed, with no information available. Forced conscription is also on the rise in southern Dawei, where media access is restricted. We learn about these issues mainly through those assisting IDPs,” said the volunteer.
In July alone, the conflict resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians, with over 167 people arrested by the military for various reasons. Of those detained, 136 have been released, while five have died in custody, according to Fe 5 Tanintharyi.
The military junta has declared martial law in Tanintharyi Township, severely restricting the transportation of essential supplies, including food and medicine, exacerbating the hardships faced by the displaced populations in the area.
