Civilians attempting to flee are unable to leave due to intense fighting continues along the Kawkareik-Kyondoe road in areas controlled by Brigade-6 of the Karen National Union (KNU) in Kawkareik Township, according to sources from Kawkareik.
Due to fighting that erupted on 14 April between the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the military council in Ngartaing village along the Kawkareik-Kyondoe road, the military council has been carrying out airstrikes on villages surrounding Kyondoe town.
“Since 15 April, the military has stopped allowing people inside the junta-controlled Kawkareik to leave. They are trapped. There is regular shooting, with both small and large weapons being used,” said a local resident from Kawkareik.
At least 10 villages in the Kawkareik-Kyondoe area have been forced to flee to nearby villages due to aerial bombardment by the military.
Local sources report that people in some villages remain trapped, as they are not allowed to leave their homes to escape the fighting.
According to resistance sources, the military council controls the entrances and exits of Kawkareik, while the combined forces of the KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army) have taken control of Lay Taing, Ngar Taing, and Nwarchankone villages and are currently conducting area clearance operations.
Another local resident from Kawkareik stated, “Resistance forces don’t allow people in Ngartaing village to leave. Meanwhile, shopkeepers in town have raised commodity prices. The price of rice has nearly doubled, and the cost of motorcycle fuel has also increased.”
Additionally, according to reports from those assisting displaced persons, there is an urgent need for food supplies for the IDPs from Kawkareik and Kyondoe.
They are also in desperate need of shelter and rainproof sheets.
Since 15 April, the military council has been conducting consecutive airstrikes on monasteries and civilian villages in Kawkareik Township.
These attacks have resulted in at least 15 deaths, including monks, and left more than 30 others injured.
sent KIC
