Karen fighters clashed with Myanmar junta forces 259 instances final month, KNU says — Radio Free Asia

The Karen Nationwide Liberation Military (KNLA) clashed with junta forces 259 instances final month in Myanmar’s Kayin and Mon states, in keeping with an announcement launched Tuesday by the Karen Nationwide Union (KNU). The combating led to the deaths of 12 KNLA troops and 19 civilians. The KNU stated 386 junta troops and Border Guard Power (BGF) members have been killed and 280 injured.

RFA couldn’t independently verify the variety of battles or casualties and calls to the Navy Council’s Spokesman by RFA went unanswered. 

Combating intensified final month as KNLA troops joined forces with the Karen Nationwide Protection Group (KNDO) to assault junta troops and BGF members in KNU-controlled areas in Kayin and Mon states.

KNDO Particular Commando Officer, Capt. Sa Lone informed RFA the Navy Council continues to be finishing up floor operations and air raids.

“Now the combating will intensify,” he stated. “The Navy Council doesn’t dare to maneuver ahead. They are going to face casualties in the event that they transfer ahead. The junta offensive continues to be there. The Navy Council makes use of not solely manpower, but additionally heavy artillery and plane. They don’t quit and we’ve to face on the aspect of the folks and proceed.”

The KNU stated together with the 19 useless locals, 26 folks have been injured and 44 properties and non secular buildings have been broken as a result of heavy artillery shelling and landmines. Some 49 folks from Thaton district in Mon state, managed by KNU Brigade 1, have been arrested for offering data and assist to the KNU.

The assertion additionally claimed greater than 150,000 locals fled looking for security as a result of junta assaults within the 18 months because the Feb. 2021 coup.

Navy Council Spokesman Gen. Noticed Min Ton has denied KNU statements up to now, saying the army doesn’t goal civilians.

An Aug. 3 assertion by the U.N. Workplace for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated 346,000 folks fled their properties as a result of inside conflicts in Myanmar earlier than Feb. 1 final 12 months. It stated 866,000 grew to become internally displaced individuals because the coup as of July 25 this 12 months.