The civilian casualties have sharply increased in southern Myanmar’s Mon, Karen, Kayah (Karenni) States, and Tanintharyi Region due to intensifying clashes between the military junta and revolutionary forces, according to a recent report by the Rehmonnya Institute for Civic Engagement (RICE).
The report reveals that in August alone, 26 civilians were killed, and 34 others were injured, with most of the casualties caused by artillery fire, bombings, and landmine explosions. Human rights violations in the region have also escalated, with the junta’s actions contributing significantly to the civilian toll.
“Human rights abuses have increased from 50% in previous years to nearly 80% in 2024, with more arrests, artillery strikes, and landmine injuries impacting civilians,” said a spokesperson from RICE.
The report also noted that the junta’s military conscription and the formation of civilian security groups have further fueled these violations.
As conflict spreads from village to village and town to town, the human rights situation continues to deteriorate, with ongoing clashes expected to escalate. In August alone, there were 84 direct confrontations between the junta and revolutionary forces, accompanied by 96 artillery attacks, 3 drone strikes, and 16 airstrikes.
The violence has displaced over 7,500 civilians, while 6 homes have been destroyed, and 60 others burned down.
