The army carried out three aerial strikes on villages in Hpapun District in the KNU Brigade-5 in Karen State on March 27th, according to the statement by the Karen National Union (KNU).

The bombing of villages has triggered at least 3,000 Karen villages fleeing to the Thai border hoping to get aid and sanctuary in Thailand.

The aerial strikes took place from 7 pm on March 27 to 2 am on March 28. The aerial strikes came after the KNU Brigade-5 seized Thimuhtar military camp on the morning of March 27.

The KNU’s seizure of the army camp was carried out in support of the anti-coup movement. Karen, Kachin, Mon and Shan EAOs have pledged to protect civilians as much as they can from the military, with over 500 peaceful protestors already gunned down since the coup.

Some people were injured by aerial strikes. One house was burnt down and a person living in that house was found dead, according to the KNUs statement.

It also recorded 10 soldiers including the second in command from the military unit were killed, and a further eight soldiers including a second lieutenant were arrested. Two wounded war prisoners are receiving treatment.  

According to the KNU’s statement, 54 households near the village have fled to the Thai-Myanmar border due to the fighting.

The military aggression against the KNU has been escalating, and all ceasefire agreements have been terminated by the coup. There is also renewed fighting between the army and the northern EAOs KIA in Kachin State and the TNLA in Shan State.