Civilian killed, five others injured in August clashes between junta and KNLA forces in Papun

By DMG 08 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
8 September 2022, Papun, Kayin State

One civilian was killed and five others were injured last month in clashes between junta troops and resistance forces in Kayin (Karen) State’s Papun, a territory controlled by Brigade 5 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

Junta airstrikes destroyed 24 homes in three villages of Papun Township, and civilian casualties were reported, said a source familiar with KNLA Brigade 5.

“At least two dozen homes in three villages near Papun town were reduced to ashes by the junta’s airstrikes. Civilian casualties were also reported in the air raids,” the source added.

An elderly man was killed and a 9-year-old boy was seriously wounded after an artillery shell fired by junta forces and/or the Papun-based Border Guard Force landed and exploded in Mahtaw village, a Karen National Union (KNU) source said.

There were 118 clashes between regime forces and resistance troops in August, in which 84 junta soldiers were killed and 47 others injured. One of its members was martyred in the clashes with junta troops, KNLA Brigade 5 said in a statement on September 5.

The military junta has not released any information or response to the KNU’s statement and DMG has not been able to independently confirm its details.

The military has blockaded the Thaton-Papun-Kamamaung road and tightened security checks on locals and travellers since July, said residents of Papun.

“The military and BGF jointly conduct security checks on locals and travellers. Military tensions between the military and KNU are running high and clashes are frequently reported,” a resident of Papun said.

Military tensions between the military and KNLA are said to be escalating after the junta sent more than 500 reinforcements to Papun Township.