According to local sources, due to a recent lull in fighting, some internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Yephyu Township in Tanintharyi Region—specifically from Min Thar and Nat Kyi Sin village tracts—have begun returning to their homes.
In mid-April, resistance forces launched attacks on Myanmar military positions in Min Thar village tract. This led to clashes, including heavy shelling by junta troops.
As a result, more than 1,000 villagers from communities such as Sein Bohn, Phayar Thone Su, Sin Swel, Kyauk Ta Lone, and Yengan Gyi fled their homes seeking safety.
Locals report that the recent withdrawal of junta troops and the lessening of clashes in the area have allowed some displaced villagers to return home.
“Around four days ago, the soldiers completely withdrew from the villages. With no military presence remaining, IDPs are beginning to return home. People are coming back to the Min Thar and Nat Kyi Sin areas. However, some are still waiting and observing the situation before returning. Things are calm for now,” a resident shared.
More than 1,000 displaced villagers had been taking shelter in forests, orchards, nearby towns and villages, or with relatives and friends.
According to a statement from the Dawei-Tanintharyi IDP Assistance Group, as of May 25th, more than 500 displaced people still had not been able to return and remain in hiding.
The Mon Human Rights Foundation (HURFOM), which monitors human rights violations in Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi regions, reported that those still in displacement camps are suffering from health issues such as seasonal flu, diarrhea, and skin infections, and things are made worse during the rainy season.
Additionally, since the school term is starting now, children among the displaced population are missing out on educational opportunities.
“While food isn’t a major problem for them, health issues are becoming serious. People with chronic illnesses or who need regular medication are struggling to access treatment. Children and the elderly are experiencing weakened immune systems. The rainy season has brought seasonal illnesses. Meanwhile, schools have reopened, but displaced children can’t attend and are losing access to education. Even those who have returned aren’t in a safe enough position to send their kids to school. Many are still uncertain whether it’s truly safe to return. Rebuilding a sense of security and trust in conflict-affected areas will take a long time,” said Nai Aue Mon, Director of HURFOM.
During the clashes in Min Thar village tract, artillery shelling by junta forces reportedly destroyed five houses and injured one civilian.
Ongoing fighting and junta airstrikes in Thayetchaung, Launglon, Yephyu, and Dawei townships in Tanintharyi Region have displaced more than 30,000 civilians to date, according to FE5 Tanintharyi.
