Military council forces conducted a week-long series of airstrikes on territories controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), resulting in the deaths of over 20 civilians including Buddhist monks and forcing more than 50,000 people to flee their homes, according to aid workers assisting displaced persons in Mon and Karen States.
Between April 14 and April 21, the military council carried out aerial bombardments on KNU-controlled areas including Bilin, Thaton, Hpa-an, Papun, Kawkareik, and Kyainseikgyi regions. The attacks destroyed multiple religious buildings including the Kan Ni monastery and Min Saw village monastery, along with more than 20 villages. Areas such as Tagay Long village, Kawkareik Inn Gyi, Migalon, and Nwa Kyan Kone were also targeted in the airstrikes.
The military council’s aerial attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 20 people including Buddhist monks, novices, children, and civilians, with more than 30 others injured. Due to the airstrikes and ground battles in KNU Brigade 1, 5, 6, and 7 territories, more than 50,000 local residents have been forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, according to humanitarian aid groups working in the area.
On the morning of April 21, the military conducted three hours of continuous airstrikes on villages east of Kyainseikgyi town in Kawkareik township, including areas around Taung Kya Inn and Kyarinnseikkyi road. Military sources report that during nighttime operations, drones and jet aircraft conducted surveillance missions while communications networks were disrupted. The areas of Taung Kammarok, North Kammarok, Thamein Dut, and Win Ka were also targeted in the aerial attacks. The military council is reportedly using these airstrikes as part of operations to recapture military outposts that have been lost to KNU forces, with aircraft operating from Moulmein and Taungoo air bases, and plans to potentially use Hpa-an’s small airfield for military reconnaissance operations if needed.
