The military council conducted aerial bombardments in the Cherry Hill area of Demoso Township, Karenni State, forcing local residents to flee in terror. On March 4th at 11:50 AM, military aircraft conducted four bombing runs near the Cherry Hill market area where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were sheltering, dropping approximately eight bombs. In addition to the airstrikes, the presence of surveillance drones has caused civilians to flee in fear to safer locations. The military’s aerial attacks have severely disrupted civilian life in the area, with local markets forced to close and residents living under constant threat of air raids.
According to a local resident, all shops near Cherry Hill market have been closed as people evacuate the area, with military drones and aircraft frequently circling overhead, causing civilians to fear aerial attacks throughout the day. The military council launched additional attacks using kamikaze drones around 3:25 PM. In a separate incident in Pekon Township, located along the border of Karenni State and Shan State, the military council’s artillery attacks resulted in the death of one youth under 18 years of age and injured four others, including two more individuals under 18, as confirmed by the Karenni Human Rights Group.
These ongoing military attacks, including both airstrikes and artillery bombardments, have severely impacted civilians’ daily lives and placed them in grave danger. Human rights organizations have declared that targeting IDP camps and civilian areas constitutes war crimes. Currently, local residents have been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in safer locations. The military council’s continued use of airstrikes and heavy weapons against civilian areas has created a humanitarian crisis, with people living in constant fear and uncertainty about their safety and survival.
