On August 1, the Progressive Karenni People's Force (PKPF) reported that a total of 375 civilians have lost their lives, and 572 airstrikes have been conducted within the Shan State border region and Karenni (Kayah) State, following the military coup.
Starting in April 2023, the initial tally of civilian deaths reached 318. By the end of July, this number had risen to a total of 375, reflecting an increase of 57 civilian deaths over a three-month period. Between the months of May, June, and July, the highest count of civilian casualties was observed in June, with a total of 39 deaths reported during that specific month.
According to the PKPF officer's statement to the Shan news agency .civilian fatalities were attributed to various factors, including the Military Council's arrest and killing of civilians in conflict zones, airstrikes, landmine incidents, as well as artillery shelling and small arms fire.
"Around 239 individuals represent the highest count of those arrested and killed by the Military Council. Furthermore, an additional 78 lives were claimed by artillery shell shrapnel due to the indiscriminate firing of the Military Council. The remaining casualties encompass individuals who perished due to landmines and airstrikes," reported an officer of the Progressive Karenni People's Force (PKPF).
The PKPF official noted that the information presented in this statement has been gathered only within their reach and could not be considered comprehensive. He added that there may be more deaths than what is reflected in the compiled list.
Similarly, in Mobye Township, located on the border between Shan and Karenni (Kayah) states, a total of 61 clashes between the Military Council and the joint forces of the People's Defense Force (PDF) took place from the time of the military coup until June 17, resulting in the loss of 66 civilian lives.
At present, approximately 100,000 individuals remain displaced due to the ongoing conflict between the Military Council and the People's Defense Force (PDF) in the Pekon and Mobye regions along the Shan-Karenni (Kayah) state border.
These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are encountering huge problems as they lack sufficient access to healthcare in addition to food and shelter.
"I've been dealing with hemorrhoids and haven't been able to afford medication for the past two months. Without a source of assistance or income, I'm unable to purchase the necessary medicine. Lately,the condition has resurfaced, causing me significant pain," shared an IDP from Pekon Township.
The scarcity of medicine has resulted in the unfortunate deaths of many IDPs who sought shelter in the forest and mountains. Lacking timely medical attention, these individuals lost their lives, and over a period of more than 2 years since the coup. A total of 141 people have died in the forests, mountains, and camps while attempting to escape the ongoing conflict.
Following the military coup, clashes have been occurring daily in the Pekon, Mobye, and Pinlaung townships along the Shan-Karenni (Kayah) state border. Officials from the People's Defense Force stated that these clashes are a result of the military's ongoing operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire, aimed at regaining control of the region.
