Fighting continues between the military council and Karen defense forces near Maekanal village in Myawaddy District of Karen State.
Locals have fled to safer places due to the military council’s airstrikes.
Since the early April to 20 April, fighting has been taking place every other day. Fighting intensified for three consecutive days from 18 to 20 April, locals said.
A local said: “Fighting took place from 6 am to 9 am. At around 9 am, the jet fighter bombed it.”
On 20 April, the military council conducted airstrikes and bombings.
Thailand’s jet fighters are monitoring the situation as the military council is carrying out constant airstrikes, said locals from the Thai-Myanmar border.
Fighting took place in Kyaukme and Kyauktaung in Maekanal village, locals said. Maekanal village is under the control of the Dupalaryar District of the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade.
A local man from Maekanal said: “The military council is firing heavy shells into the villages in Kyaukme and Kyauktaung although there are any clashes.”
Since 11 April, there have been intense fighting between the military council and the combined force of Karen in Maekanal village. The military council burned down many houses in the village, locals said.
Due to the fighting near Maekanal village, locals have fled to nearby villages and safer places. Some locals are taking shelter in Maekanal monastery.
The IDPs are in need of aid, according to the persons helping the IDPs and locals.
Sent by the NMG