Amid intense clashes near Moebye town on the border between in southern Shan State and Karenni (Kayah) State, more than 1,000 displaced people are in urgent need of shelter materials, according to the displaced people.
These internally displaced persons (IDPs) fled to the forests surrounding Moebye during “Operation 1111” that began on 11 November 2023, between the military junta and resistance forces in Karenni State.
After more than a year of displacement, fighting in the area has escalated again, according to the displaced and resistance groups.
“Over the past few days, there’s been heavy fighting in Moebye town every day. The military council is attacking with artillery and drones. Meanwhile, with the displaced people here, they urgently need tarps for shelter,” said a member of the Moebye People’s Defense Force (PDF).
The displaced, who have been living in the forests about an hour’s travel from the town for over a year, also lack support from donors, the PDF member added. “The IDPs have been displaced for so long that they’re struggling. Now, with the rainy season approaching, those sheltering in the forests or villages near Moebye need tarps and food supplies,” he added.
The military junta is reportedly launching aggressive offensives to recapture Moebye town and the Union Highway, while resistance groups have lost control of some defense outposts in the town, sources say.
In the ongoing Moebye battle, battalions under People’s Defense Force (PDF) Tactical Operations Command 1, Sub-Military Region (southern Shan State), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and other coalition forces are fighting against military junta troops.
Moebye, located roughly 100 miles from Nay Pyi Taw, is strategically significant for both sides due to its proximity to key towns: Pinlaung, Nyaungshwe, and Hsihseng to the north; Hpruso and Thandaunggyi to the south; Loikaw and Demoso to the east; and Pyinmana to the west.
Sent by Shan News.