The Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF) stated on 1 May that a total of 22 civilians were killed by Myanmar armed forces in Karenni (Kayah) State in the four months from 1 January to 30 April 2023.
“Seven of the civilians were killed by indiscriminate gunfire from regime forces. Four of them were fatally hit by landmines. Seven of them were killed by airstrikes. Four of them were killed by fatal hits with small and heavy weapons. In total, 22 people were killed,” a PKPF official said.
Most of the victims – 20 men and two women aged between 20 and 40 – were from Demoso, Loikaw and Bawlakhe townships in Karenni State and Pekon Township in southern Shan State.
One displaced man said civilians are being killed because they do not know enough to protect themselves from junta airstrikes.
“Personally, I think we need to do more to educate the people about the threat of airstrikes,” he said.
He added that it was best for people to dig as many bomb shelters as possible to protect themselves.
Most of the civilian deaths were due to brutal killings by the military council, followed by air strikes.
As of 1 May 2023, 318 civilians have been killed in Karenni and southern Shan State following the military coup, according to PKPF data.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.