A clash between the Myanmar military and coalition forces headed by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) broke out near Ingabo village in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, on May 3, forcing more than 1,000 civilians to flee their homes, according to local sources.

A source close to Brigade 1 of the KNLA, the armed wing of Karen National Union (KNU), said the fighting broke out between the two sides when KNLA coalition forces opened fire on a Myanmar military base near Ingabo village.

“The KNLA coalition forces opened fire on the Myanmar military camp at the entrance of Ingabo village at 10 a.m. yesterday, resulting in an exchange of fire between the two sides,” the source said on May 4.

Regime troops fired at least five artillery shells at Ingabo village early Wednesday morning, forcing residents to flee their homes, according to locals.

“Myanmar military troops have been stationed near the village since the previous clashes. Yesterday, the KNLA members came and fired at the Myanmar military camp. Earlier this morning, gunfire from the Myanmar military was heard from the village. The bullets were fired into the village, forcing the villagers to flee,” a resident of Ingabo village said.

More than 1,000 locals have reportedly fled to nearby forests as a result of the hostilities, with food and shelter problems looming, according to a relief group helping internally displaced people (IDPs).

Kyaikto Township has been the scene of multiple clashes between Myanmar’s military regime and anti-junta forces in Mon State since the coup on February 1, 2021, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.