Karen News

Colonel Saw Tin Win, the tactical commander of military region No. 2, informed KIC during a meeting in the last week of February, that commanders of the four BGF military regions reached a consensus to transition to the KNA, no longer relying on financial support or facilities from the Junta. “All four of our military regions have agreed to change…

Amid mounting concerns over the conscription law, scores of Karen youth have relocated from towns like Hpa-An, Hlaingbwe, and Kawkareik to rural territories beyond the Junta ‘s reach, and under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU). “Due to the clashes in Kawkareik, I sought temporary sanctuary in Myawaddy. However with the imposition of the conscription law by the…

Since the end of last year, the Junta’s 97th, 343rd, and 548th infantry battalions, along with the 207th, 201st, and 203rd light infantry battalions stationed in Kawkareik, have been frequently engaging in small arms and artillery fire, as well as indiscriminately bombing residential areas with drones on a daily basis, KNU (Central) said. “The Junta’s use of drones to drop…

The 307th Light Infantry Battalion and 264th Infantry Battalion were responsible for the shelling, according to the KNU who stated that dozens of residential houses suffered damage from the firing of over 100 artillery shells spanning a 4-day period. According to the KNU’s statement, on February 21st, arbitrary shelling by the 264th Infantry Battalion stationed in Pein Za Loke Township…

“Residents who frequently traverse the bridge may be exempted; however individuals arriving from other regions to Myawaddy and seeking passage to the Mae Sot side may encounter temporary confiscation of their NRCs, only receiving them upon return to the Myawaddy side. Those suspected by authorities are also subjected to extortion by the police and border authorities”, a Myawaddy resident, close…

The Mutraw District newsletter published on February 14th reported that the Military Council had abandoned two bases within Mutraw (Hpapun) District, under the control of the Karen National Union’s (KNU) 5th Brigade. On February 10th, the troops of the Military Council’s 349th Light Infantry Battalion withdrew from the Lekalaykyo base, and the following day soldiers stationed in Kyulu relocated to…

On the morning of February 5th, Junta forces launched attacks on two schools in Daw Si Ei and Loi Nan Pa villages in Demoso (Deemaw Soe) Township, employing airstrikes and shelling, killing 5 individuals, among them 4 children, and leaving over 20 others wounded, including a preschool-aged child and 2 teachers. “When faced with setbacks, the military regime often resorts…

The KNU’s Chairpersons affirmed that “Karen people must establish a Kawthoolei State, ensuring political safeguards for the development of social life free from oppression. He also expressed the commitment of KNU to build a federal democratic system, guaranteeing equal rights and self-determination.” Adjusting to changes in the political landscape Saw Kwe Htoo Win characterized the KNU as “at the forefront…

5 February 2024 A group of men and women, working under the banner, The Roots, galvanised by the violence of the military regime against civilians who opposed its rule continue to photograph and document the country’s ongoing civil war. Founding member, Mar Naw, explains the Roots collective is about fighting for freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and continuing to…

One Karen villager told KIC,” The warplanes aimed at the vicinity of the Revolution Day ceremony, yet thankfully the event had already concluded before the attack ensuring no injuries occurred.” The KNU’s statement disclosed that airstrikes resulted in the destruction of a clinic, dining hall, and toilet in Kweelar village, along with damage to two houses and the death of…