Intense fighting continues in Demoso Township, Karenni State, where the military council forces are systematically targeting civilians, using them as human shields, and committing various atrocities, according to reports from the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) Central Information Department and KA Military Chief Colonel Phone Naing. Since August 8, military forces entering Demoso Township have been conducting operations characterized by arbitrary arrests, unprovoked killings, and the forced use of civilians as human shields, compelling them to walk at the front of military columns and carry military equipment.
The military council’s documented practices include forcing detained civilians to serve as human shields at the forefront of their operations and compelling them to transport military supplies. KNDF has recorded instances where civilians on motorcycles traveling through village main roads were shot at and arrested without any questioning or provocation. KA Military Chief Colonel Phone Naing confirmed to Yangon Modern News that these civilian-targeted atrocities have become a regular pattern of military council behavior, stating that while the exact numbers of casualties and arrests are still being verified, both fighting and guerrilla warfare continue in the region despite communication difficulties hampering precise documentation.
KNDF Central has obtained evidence of the military council’s use of human shields and documented cases where civilians were deliberately targeted while traveling through villages on motorcycles. These incidents occurred without any provocation or questioning, demonstrating a clear pattern of civilian targeting. The ongoing conflict has created significant challenges for local populations, with regular clashes occurring throughout the region and sporadic guerrilla warfare actions taking place. While exact casualty figures remain difficult to confirm due to communication challenges, there is clear evidence of continued civilian casualties and arbitrary detentions.
Due to these dangerous conditions, authorities have strongly advised civilians to avoid using the Loikaw-Demoso-Pruso Union Highway and its connecting routes. The military council forces have been documented systematically targeting civilian populations, violating international laws, and committing war crimes with apparent impunity. The situation poses a severe security risk for local residents, and ethnic armed organizations have emphasized the need for international intervention to address these ongoing human rights violations. The military council’s forces continue to demonstrate a complete disregard for civilian safety, repeatedly committing war crimes openly and shamelessly, making it imperative for civilians to exercise extreme caution in conflict-affected areas.
