Seven people were killed and two wounded by the airstrikes of the army in the KNU-Brigade-3 (Nyaunglaybin district) in Shwekyin Township on March 30th, said Saw Al Star, an official of the Karen Social Organization.

“The army carried out airstrikes on the gold mining site owned by Ko Moe Aung in Shwekyin Township at 12.30 pm on March 30th. The airstrikes killed seven people and wounded two others. The wounded people are in serious condition,” he added.

“The attacks took place between Shwekyin Township and Hpapun Township,” a local said.

The military tension has grown between the army and the KNU after the KNU-Brigade-5 attacked a major military camp on March 27th. There are reports of fighting between the KNU and the army every day.

On March 27th and 28th, the army carried out airstrikes on the Brigade-5 area, leaving three people dead and nine others injured. Due to the attacks, houses were also burnt down, according to the KNU.

Saw Sipahtaw, an official of Karen Social Affair Organization in Nyaunglebin District said: “There is no safety for the people. The military carried out airstrikes. I heard the noise of heavy shelling in Kyaukgyi Township at night. The situation becomes worse at KNU-Brigade-3. The people are very afraid at night. The people in the mountain area have to dig bunkers. This comes after March 27th. I heard the voices of heavy shelling in Kyaukgyi Township at night. The situation becomes worse at KNU-Brigade-3”

Intensifying fighting between the army and the KNU, has forced the locals to flee to safer places.

The IDPs are in urgent need of food, drinking water and other aid, according to the Karen social organizations.