An interview with Khu Ko Reh, Coordinator of KCSN, on the challenges and difficulties faced by Karenni civilians amid junta airstrikes
In addition to increased airstrikes by the military council in Karenni (Kayah) State, artillery attacks on civilians have resulted in 592 civilian deaths since the military coup, up to the end of 2024.
This civilian death toll was reported in the 6 January 2025 statement by the Karenni Civil Society Network (KCSN), which documents monthly human rights violations by the military junta in Karenni State.
Network Media Group (NMG) interviewed Khu Ko Reh, Coordinator of KCSN, which monitors and documents human rights violations and the challenges faced by Karenni civilians amid these junta airstrikes.
Q: What is the situation with the junta airstrikes in Karenni State? Are civilians still being affected?
A: Yes. They’ve resorted to more airstrikes. They’re deliberately bombing not just areas where resistance forces are located, but also areas where displaced people are sheltering. There have been casualties. This is because unlike resistance forces, displaced people don’t have proper bunkers, and they can’t be in a ready state when attacks come. So, there are regular casualties, injuries, and destruction of structures.
Q: Why would you say the military council is carrying out these attacks on civilians? What is their intended benefit from such attacks?
A: I think one thing in their minds is to make people afraid. They want people to side with them again. This is their usual tactic. Another thing I have noticed is that they have come to view the people as their enemy. After the coup, with the massive popular uprising, they see both armed resistance forces and civilians as their enemies. They have put them in the same category.
Q: If these airstrikes continue, what concerns and challenges might civilians face?
A: We have no way of defending ourselves against airstrikes – that’s simply impossible. But because of the military council’s actions, day by day people will suffer more, and casualties will continue to increase. We will continue to see death and destruction. The level of concern will only continue to rise. Some can grow rice for their survival. But in many cases, they can’t harvest when the time comes. They are not just worried about their lives, but also about their livelihoods and how they’ll survive in the coming year.
Q: Are there any recent changes in territorial control on the ground in Karenni State? What percentage would you say is still under resistance forces’ control? And how much territory does the military council still hold?
A: Karenni State is quite small. But according to the Karenni coalition forces, they control about 80-90 percent of the area. However, some areas are mixed, with contested control. For example, in places like Loikaw and Moebye, control shifts between resistance forces and the military council.
This situation only exists in Loikaw and Moebye. In almost all other townships, the junta can only operate within their own bases. For instance, in Hpasawng, Bawlakhe, Hpruso, and Demoso Townships, they are now confined to their bases and can’t move outside. Looking at the overall picture, the resistance forces’ claimed percentage seems accurate. The military council’s control is strongest around Loikaw.
Q: While the military council is trying to regain territory, they’re also attempting to hold elections this year. Is it feasible to hold elections in Karenni State? If so, where might they be possible?
A: I would say it’s virtually impossible. This is because, as I said earlier, only in Loikaw city can government mechanisms function to some extent. Even then, with resistance forces surrounding Loikaw, if they manage to hold elections, it would only be possible in a few wards. They could only do it with their military families and those people. They’re not in a position to hold elections in almost every township.
Q: What are the views of civil society organizations in Karenni State regarding the military council’s planned election?
A: This is just their attempt to save face internationally. We can say that because they don’t have much international recognition anymore. I would say it as their effort to regain international support as a legitimate government.
Q: The junta is conducting operations with large forces along the Shan-Karenni border. How important would you say this route is for them to try to control?
A: There are mainly three routes from Shan State to Karenni State. There’s one route coming from Hsihseng, and another route from Pinlaung. These routes are crucial for them to transport military supplies and support. They can only assist their ground troops if they control these supply routes, so they have been trying to control these routes for a long time. Karenni forces are pushing back against them. They’re still trying, but in terms of security for movement along these routes – it’s not safe for them yet. They’re still fighting over it.
Sent by NMG.
