Intense shelling by the Junta’s 97th Infantry Battalion at Kawkareik Township, the focal point of recent clashes in Karen State, coupled with intensive airstrikes, has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from seven downtown wards in Kawkareik.
Prior to the commencement of the November clashes, certain Kawkareik residents had been evacuated following advance warnings from the resistance forces. But for various reasons, many locals were unable to escape in a timely manner. As the Military Council intensified airstrikes and shelling, civilians found themselves trapped in the town, leading to an escalation in casualties, as reported by an aid worker assisting the displaced population.
"Both the Military Council and the Karen resistance forces had warned residents to evacuate before the fighting started, but many didn't leave in time. Now with aircraft bombing downtown areas, no one dares to stay any longer. Thousands had to flee, and artillery shells were falling like rain. The worst is the targeted shelling from the main market's roof into residential wards, resulting in many civilian casualties. At least 10 people were sent to Hpa-An and Kawkareik hospitals, with a minimum of 8 civilians killed by bombs and bullets. This is just in the downtown area, and the situation in rural areas is unknown”, he said.
On the morning of December 3rd, the 97th Infantry Battalion remained stationed in Kawkareik, with a presence at the township police station and on the upper floors of the main market. They persist in shelling civilians trying to evacuate the town. Furthermore, the 545th and 546th Infantry Battalions located in Kyondoe, along with the artillery battalion based in Hlaingwa, are actively conducting shelling operations targeting the residential villages, frontline sources said.
A resistance fighter told KIC, ”We have been fighting with the Border Guard Force (BGF), reinforcing the Military Council, resulting in casualties on both sides. We assisted in evacuating trapped civilians in the town and approached the battles with great caution. Numerous locals sought refuge in Myawaddy, Kyondoe, Nabu, Tharmanya, Kanni, and Kanmayite. In downtown areas, intermittent fighting persists, contributing to an unpredictable traffic situation on Asia Road with frequent blockages and re-openings”.
In Kyainseikgyi, Thinganyinaung, Kyondoe, and Kawkareik, intense conflict persists between the Military Council and joint forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) since November 30th. This ongoing fighting has resulted in a disturbing rise in casualties and displaced individuals, as reported by aid workers assisting civilians in the affected areas.
