Four children killed in Kayah State clashes

By DMG 10 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
10 March 2022, Loikaw, Kayah State

Some children were killed and more than 50 houses were destroyed in clashes between junta troops and anti-regime forces in Kayah State in the first week of March, according to the Karenni Refugee Assistance Group.

Myanmar military troops raided villages in Demoso Township such as Thaysuelel, Dawbuku, and Dawpita, as well as Nan Phel village in Bawlakhe Township, and Lelhtwel village in Loikaw Township, from March 1-8.

Heavy fighting broke out between an anti-regime coalition led by the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and junta troops, with more than a dozen internally displaced people (IDPs) including four children killed by airstrikes and artillery shelling by the Myanmar military, a Karenni humanitarian aid worker told DMG.

“Clashes erupted and the fighting intensified as the Myanmar military marched on Demoso at the beginning of the first week of March,” the aid worker added. “The Myanmar military fired artillery and conducted air strikes, killing 14 locals and wounding one. Among those killed were four children between the ages of 10 and 15.”

Fierce fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and the KNDF in Pu Pha village, Demoso Township, on March 7, destroying several houses.

“A 300-strong military contingent attempted to deploy in Pu Pha village. Fighting broke out between the two sides and more than 30 houses in the village were set on fire,” the aid worker explained.

The Myanmar military carried out seven airstrikes on Daw Ngan Kha ward and Kone Thar village in Demoso Township at around 6:30 a.m. on March 10, damaging a Catholic church and homes for the aged, according to ground sources.