Residents of villages in northern Thandaung Township on the border between Karen and Karenni (Kayah) states face the threat of landmines amid the ongoing armed conflict, locals report.
In July, the Myanmar military conducted airstrikes in the Yado area of northern Thandaung. After locals fled their homes due to the airstrikes, Myanmar army troops took up positions in the villages and planted landmines around Thaukyaekhat and Loyardo villages, causing residents to worry as they move about, according to a local woman.
“A large number of junta troops are stationed near Loyardo. They have laid many land mines, so we have to be careful. The local defense forces have cleared some of the mines,” she said.
The Northern Thandaung Defense Force (NTDF) spokesman said the junta army laid the mines to prevent the local defense forces from advancing near their positions and the landmines caused some injuries to resistance members.
“Last time, one of our comrades was wounded by a landmine. When the junta troops enter an area, they usually leave landmines. So, residents who are aware of this are careful when they move around the area. They have laid landmines in the Loyardo area,” he said.
In recent days, Myanmar army troops advanced on Loyardo village near Yardo village and fired artillery. During the advance, they also abducted some residents and beat some youths, who were later released, according to local sources.
A resident from northern Thandaung said, “They destroyed some houses in the village. However, they released those who were arrested. Among those arrested were people who had fled the airstrikes and returned to Yado when they thought the situation was calm. On their way back to the village, they were arrested. Now that they have arrested people again, all but a few elderly people have fled to safety.”
Currently, more than 2000 residents of Yado have been displaced by the armed clashes and bombardments. Because the displaced include the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and nursing mothers, they may have enormous long-term needs for medical care and food, local aid workers said.
In addition, the regime has flown more than 30 airstrikes in the Yado area, damaging or destroying religious buildings and houses, the Karen National Union (KNU) said in a statement on 30 July.
Sent by KIC.
