IDPs Forced to Relocate Again in Eastern Loikaw as Security Deteriorates

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in eastern Loikaw Township, Karenni State, have been forced to flee once again following an escalation in junta attacks since early September, according to local sources.

Amid worsening security conditions, some displaced residents have attempted to return to Loikaw city, said U Ba Nyar, Joint Secretary 2 of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC).

"Mainly due to recent drone operations, ground columns, and airstrikes, nearly half of those sheltering in the Parlaung and Daw Ta Yoe areas have returned to Loikaw," U Ba Nyar said. "We have also received reports that residents returning to the city in recent days are being detained and interrogated."

Junta forces in Loikaw city have reportedly been interrogating returning civilians not only about IDP conditions, but also regarding the movements and activities of local resistance forces.

Fighting between junta troops and resistance forces has intensified across the area since early September, according to a local administrative official in eastern Loikaw. Junta forces have launched ground offensives alongside airstrikes and drone attacks in an effort to regain control.

"In my view, the regime is attempting to capture the strategic hill-ridge area in eastern Loikaw while encouraging residents to move back into town," the administrative official said. "After suffering heavy casualties in recent direct clashes, they have increasingly relied on suicide drones and airstrikes."

Airstrikes and drone attacks targeting eastern Loikaw and neighboring Shadaw Township between September 4 and 8 killed five civilians—including young children—and injured at least 15 others, while destroying multiple homes.

Local officials note that an exact count of newly displaced residents remains difficult to verify due to fluid conditions on the ground.