Politics Myanmar Airstrikes Force Karen Villagers to Flee Across Border Amid Escalating Conflict

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Fierce fighting along the Thai-Myanmar border has intensified, with Myanmar military aircraft launching repeated airstrikes against ethnic minority groups, prompting hundreds of civilians to flee into Thailand in search of safety.

 

In the early hours of 18 April, Myanmar forces used aerial bombardments near the village of Mopu Sue, just 2 kilometres from the Thai border, targeting positions believed to be held by ethnic Karen armed groups. The attack triggered a mass exodus of residents into Thailand, with many crossing into Huai Plakong village in Khane Chue subdistrict, Mae Ramat district, Tak province.

 

 

Local Thai authorities quickly established a temporary safe zone at Huai Plakong Forest Monastery to accommodate the displaced. Officials confirmed that 215 Myanmar nationals had sought refuge, including 39 men, 72 women, 53 boys and 51 girls.

 

Colonel Natthakorn Rueantip, commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force, ordered troops from the Ratchamanu and Ranger Task Force 35 units to coordinate with police and local administrative officers to ensure border security and provide humanitarian aid. Military personnel have been deployed along the frontier, equipped with support weapons as part of a contingency response plan to protect Thai sovereignty and civilian lives.

 

Tensions have been rising since a Myanmar Air Force YAK-130 aircraft dropped bombs near Talui Thong village in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, opposite Rim Moei village in Mae Sot district, Tak province, approximately 50 kilometres from the border.

In retaliation, the Karen National Liberation Army’s 7th Brigade launched a counteroffensive, deploying troops and drones to attack the Myanmar Army’s Infantry Battalion 24 base in Mopu Sue, located in Myawaddy Township, Karen State. During the clashes, Myanmar forces reportedly responded with heavy weaponry.

 

The intensifying conflict has led to another wave of displaced villagers. Approximately 120 more civilians crossed into Thailand via a natural border crossing near Tham Mokkhala, also in Huai Plakong village, seeking refuge in the designated safe zone.

 

Thai security forces and humanitarian agencies remain on high alert as the border situation continues to develop. Officials have reiterated their commitment to upholding humanitarian principles while maintaining national security.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khoasod.

 

-- 2025-04-20

 

 

 

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

The lying, thieving, illegal junta is asking countries for aid to help after the earthquake, but they have men and money aplenty when it comes to killing civilians.

And recently a cease fire was announced.