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Clashes between Myanmar’s junta and an ethnic army in central Myanmar have forced more than 4,000 people from their homes, according to a statement by the Karen National Union, or KNU.
The political wing of the Karen National Liberation Army has been feuding with junta forces in eastern Myanmar’s Kayin and Mon states since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. The conflict has now spread westwards into the Bago region.
In Shwegyin township, villagers from more than 850 households fled intensifying battles that started on Sunday, said one resident, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals.
“Some ran toward Yangon and Bago and some ran to the edges of the village,” he said. “There was heavy weapons fire. Two days ago, shrapnel was flying. Residents still can’t re-enter the village.”
Fighting has been frequent in the area since before the Thingyan holiday began on April 13, he said. The KNU controls parts of Shwegyin township.
In Mone township, which borders Shwegyin, junta forces fired 14 rounds into Lay Ein Su village, killing 70-year-old Win Naing, the group said in their statement.
Ma Oo, 30 years old, and Ko Tun, 45 years old, were injured in the attack.
Despite a ceasefire declared on April 2 and extended to April 30 to aid recovery work after an earthquake killed over 3,700 people, junta troops have launched hundreds of attacks across the country, killing more than 240 people, according to the exiled civilian National Unity Government
Junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun did not respond to enquiries from Radio Free Asia regarding the attack.
In the original 20-day ceasefire declared by the junta, soldiers launched 107 attacks on KNU-controlled territory, killing 20 people and injuring 55, the group said in a statement.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
