1,200 more refugees flee to border amid heavy fighting in Myanmar

OVER 1,200 more Karenni and Karen-Padaung (Long-Necked) refugees have fled continuing heavy fighting between Karenni Army (KA) plus their allies and Myanmar junta forces and are camped at the border right across from Mae Hong Son province, Naewna newspaper said today (July 5).

In addition around 400 Shan residents who are close to Mae Hong Son people with many of them being their relatives have taken shelter at three temples after Myanmar soldiers raided their village in Kayah state.

The number of refugees sheltering in Thailand during the current round of fighting has reached 4,877 people.

Meanwhile KA fighters, who are battling Myanmar junta troops together with their allies Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and People’s Defence Force (PDF), said fresh troops had been sent to fight them with these being from 44th and 77th light infantry divisions.

A key road is still under Karenni fighters’ control thus preventing the Myanmar junta troops from crossing the Salween river to the eastern side.

They also control the border between Kayah and Shan states thus blocking an attempt to send reinforcement to Shan state with Myanmar troops now only able to use helicopters to strafe the area.

KA and their allies intend to attack and seize a key base on the border of Shan state by yearend.

From June this year onward Karenni forces and their allies have captured eight Myanmar military bases and seized six 120mm mortars and 12,000 120mm calibre mortar bombs.

KNDF claimed to have shot down a helicopter but a drone flown over the area did not find any remains.

CAPTIONS:

Karenni fighters battling Myanmar junta forces in Kayah state opposite Mae Hong Son and the mortars and mortar bombs they seized. Photos: Naewna