Myaing Gyi Ngu residents flee from DKBA and Govt militia fighting

Myaing Gyi Ngu villagers have fled fighting between the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and the government-controlled militia, the Border Guard Force (BGF).

A Myaing Gyi Ngu resident said that the fighting started on April 27 and forced villagers from Shwe Nardar Myaing, Pidouk Myaing, Ninsi Myaing, and Ziza Wah Myaing to take refuge to safety in nearby villages that were away from the conflict zone.

Speaking to Karen News, a resident from Myaing Gyi Ngu said.

“Most of the residents of Myaing Gyi Ngu have fled. Only those villagers far from the fighting area are still living at their homes. People who’ve fled the fighting haven’t been able to return.”

A DKBA officer told Karen News that DKBA 905 battalion led by Colonel Pue Lay Baw, was attacked by soldiers from BGF 1011th Battalion under the command of Major Saw Soe Naing. Battalions 1017, 1018 and 1019 were sent to support and reinforce the 1011th. The BGF is a government militia under the control of the Burma Army.

The DKBA officer said.

“The fighting is still on-going. I don’t know the numbers of casualties. The BGF are mainly using heavy artillery in their attacks, but so far are unable penetrate our positions and have withdrawn.”

The DKBA officer said that fighting had also broken out between DKBA soldiers and soldiers from BGF 1012th and 1015th battalions on April 29 at Nar Htee Kwe, the area between Myaing Gyi Ngu and Mae Tha Waw village – killing two and wounding three BGF soldiers.

Villagers were caught by surprise by the conflict between the BGF and the DKBA as the area has known peace for 20 years. The DKBA had set up their headquarter in Myaing Gyi Ngu 20 years ago, and this is the first time in 20 years civilians have had to flee from their homes.