A total of 437 people who had fled to Thailand following the fall of the military council’s Pulu Tu base in Paikyone Township, Hpa-An District, within the Karen National Union’s Brigade Territory-7, returned home on 15 March with the assistance of Thai authorities, according to refugees and Thai media.
On 14 March, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied forces took complete control of Pulu Tu base near the Thai-Myanmar border.
During the battle to capture the camp, the military council conducted shelling and airstrikes on villages inhabited by civilians in the KNLA Brigad-7 Battalion-22 Territory, forcing locals to flee across the Moei River (Thaungyin River) into Thailand since February.
On 15 March, Thai authorities collaborated with Tha Song Yang District in Tak Province to facilitate the return of refugees. Thai media reported that the Thai side is still monitoring border security.
A displaced Karen woman from KalayPhoeKaloe village said, “All the people are allowed to return home. Yesterday (15 March), half of the refugees returned home. We are afraid of nothing except airstrikes.”
Locals say that during the battle to capture Pulu Tu base, the military council not only carried out airstrikes on the camp and its surroundings but also launched at least two airstrikes on villages where local residents lived, dropping 500-pound bombs and causing damage to homes.
Thai authorities and some Christian organizations are providing assistance to those who have fled to Thailand due to the fighting. Additionally, the KNU provided support to the displaced people who sought refuge in the KNU Brigade 7 Territory.
Sent by KIC