Recent clashes between the Burmese army and civilian rebels have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 26 innocent civilians in Shan State. The conflict primarily unfolded in the fiercely contested Pekon township.
Burma has been in turmoil since February 2021, when the military forcibly ousted the democratically-elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi from power. As a result, protests erupted across the country, leading to violent suppression by the security forces. This, in turn, sparked an armed resistance movement that now spans various regions.
The recent fighting has centered around Mobye, a cluster of villages covering approximately 70 square miles located 60 miles east of the capital, Naypyitaw. This area lies between the capital and a region predominantly occupied by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which also opposes the military-installed government.
In response to military rule, newly formed militia units have joined forces with established armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, Karen, and Kachin. These groups have been fighting for greater autonomy in the border regions for over half a century.
Reports indicate that on May 27, more than 100 soldiers entered one of Mobye’s villages and detained around 100 residents. Although most were eventually released after a few days, many have fled the area. A resident stated that some villagers had hidden in their homes to evade arrest but tragically lost their lives, either through gunfire, artillery strikes, or when venturing onto the streets. Shockingly, six children were among the deceased.
It’s important to note that the villager’s account remains unverified, and the military government has not provided any recent information on the situation. However, three local armed resistance groups have assigned blame to the army for these killings.
Banyar Khun Aung, the executive director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, estimates that over 30 individuals have lost their lives in Mobye, with most deaths attributed to the military’s actions. The Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organization, reported 26 fatalities and 20 injured individuals at the scene. They found three bodies that had evidently been forced to kneel and were executed at close range.
The People’s Defense Force (PDF) and ethnic guerrillas regularly launch attacks on military targets, including columns, bases, and outposts. However, they are significantly outgunned by the government forces, who employ artillery, airstrikes, and ground troops during large-scale offensives. Unfortunately, these military operations frequently result in civilian casualties and human rights abuses. As a consequence, more than a million people have been displaced, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Since the military takeover, the security forces have been responsible for the deaths of at least 3,659 civilians, with 23,337 individuals arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. This organization meticulously tracks arrests and casualties associated with the country’s political conflicts.
The situation in Burma remains intensely volatile, necessitating immediate attention and international support to protect innocent lives and restore peace.
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