Karen News

In mid-April, during Myanmar’s traditional Thingyan water festival, the junta intensified airstrikes in parts of the Karen National Union (KNU)’s Kawthoolei region, causing civilian casualties and damaging civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, homes, and religious buildings, according to a KWO statement dated April 21. “The junta deliberately chose a time when families were joyfully celebrating to carry out brutal attacks.…

According to Thai media agencies, Sihasak was scheduled to visit Naypyidaw on April 22 to meet the coup leader and discuss bilateral relations. In the open letter dated April 21, Karen organizations expressed concern that the visit could be seen as conferring legitimacy on the junta, which seized power through illegitimate means. Karen organizations urged Sihasak to reconsider his planned…

Previously, Thailand allowed legally registered and taxed vehicles to cross the border even if the current owner’s name did not match the registration documents. However, since the Songkran festival, authorities have tightened the measures, drivers operating in border areas said. “Thailand no longer allows vehicles to cross if the name on the ownership registration does not match the current owner,…

Between April 10 and 16, the junta carried out day-and-night airstrikes on four villages in Mutraw District, killing 4 civilians, injuring 14 others, and destroying homes, clinics, schools, and religious buildings. On April 20, two Karen civil society groups (CSOs) issued a statement calling for increased international action against the junta. “Our country’s situation is different from that of Iran…

Telecom scam operators are rapidly constructing new buildings in Thaybawboe Village and surrounding areas under the control of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA). “Construction of new buildings began about a month ago, and work is still ongoing. Some structures have already been completed, and the pace of construction is very fast. There are two main construction sites: one at…

District administration officials said 35 male prisoners and 3 female prisoners were released as a goodwill gesture to facilitate family reunions. The KNU prioritized inmates who were elderly, in poor health, or had demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. The amnesty ceremony took place at an undisclosed location in Hpa-An District on April 6, attended by KNU officials, including KNU…

Most of the buildings are multi-storey structures situated between northern Kyarinn Village and Maw Kho Kla Village, a local who requested anonymity told KIC. “Construction started in late 2025. We don’t know the exact size of the entire area, but it’s on a large plot. It doesn’t look like they’re building hotels. People here think the buildings could be for…

Formed on March 30 to accelerate the revolution and establish a federal union, the SCEF includes the KNU along with three other EAOs: the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Chin National Front (CNF), and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). “We joined the SCEF with a strong sense of responsibility, and we are ready to work together in the struggle to build…

Locals from Htihuthan, Winka, and Hpakya villages in Kyondoe Township, as well as several communities in Notakaw Township, are suffering losses ranging from lakhs to hundreds of millions of MMK. Some have been forced to sell farms and other assets to repay debts linked to telecom scams. “A lot of people in our village have been affected by Zhapian scams.…

The newly formed KNU’s Myawaddy Township comprises the village tracts of Nupo, Myawaddy Myoma, Hpalu, Thaybawboe, Sonseemyaing, Mawkhee, and Sukali. The first congress of the KNU’s Myawaddy Township was held from March 23 to 25, during which township executive committee members were elected. The congress first elected 159 delegates and 31 standing committee members, followed by the selection of the…