Thousands flee homes amid junta attacks in central Myanmar

Clashes between Myanmar’s junta and an ethnic army in central Myanmar have forced more than 4,000 people from their homes, according to a statement by the Karen National Union, or KNU.

The political wing of the Karen National Liberation Army has been feuding with junta forces in eastern Myanmar’s Kayin and Mon states since the military seized power in a 2021 coup. The conflict has now spread westwards into the Bago region.

In Shwegyin township, villagers from more than 850 households fled intensifying battles that started on Sunday, said one resident, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals.