Over 2,000 locals flee as KNLA clashes with junta troops in Kayin State’s Kyainnseikgyi

03 Jan 2023

DMG Newsroom
3 January 2023, Kyainnseikgyi, Kayin State

Fierce fighting between the military and anti-regime groups led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has been ongoing for three days in a row in Taungzun Village, part of Kayin (Karen) State’s Kyainnseikgyi Township, forcing at least 2,000 locals to flee.

The fighting between the military and a coalition led by the KNLA has been ongoing near Taungzun Village since January 1.

“Fighting continues near Taungzun Village after the two Border Guard Force outposts were captured on January 1. The military launched airstrikes this morning,” said a source from KNLA Brigade 6.

Clashes broke out after two BGF outposts in Taungzun Village were captured by the KNLA’s Lion Battalion Commando column and a coalition led by the KNLA on January 1 and 2, Lion Battalion Commando column said in a statement on January 2.

During the fighting, more than 2,000 Taungzun Village residents were forced to flee to the nearby jungles by heavy weapons and aerial attacks by junta troops, and they are facing livelihood difficulties.

“The military used helicopters to attack both resistance fighters and civilians in residential areas. We fled to safer locations in fear. We are facing livelihood hardships as we could bring nothing when we fled,” said a resident of Taungzun Village.

The military attacked with two gunships at Taungzun Village and surrounding areas two times on January 3, said residents of Kyainnseikgyi.

“I saw the military’s helicopters, believed to be coming from Mawlamyine, heading to Taungzun Village,” said a resident of Kyainnseikgyi.

Regime spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun could not be reached for comment regarding reports of the seizure of three BGF outposts and three days of clashes near Taungzun Village.

Local people displaced by fighting are trapped in the jungles and local charities are currently waiting for relief works as the military banned access to Taungzun Village and its nearby areas, according to residents of Kyainnseikgyi.