Continuing offensive
One month on, due to ongoing fighting led by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and supported by Burmese army soldiers against the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) battalions and general headquarters, situated along the Thai/Burma border, it is still not possible for those who fled to Thailand in early June to safely return to their homes.
Refugees are currently taking shelter in seven sites along the Thai/Burma border between Mae Usu and Mae Tawo, but Thai authorities have stated they would like to consolidate these into 3 sites for ease of providing aid and to be able to better control and monitor the situation.
However, this is proving to be difficult due to security issues. A DKBA commander, San Pyote (aka Soe Myint), was ambushed and killed by an unknown armed group while traveling by longtail boat on the Moei River on June 26 and the DKBA have threatened retaliation (more about this story at The Irrawaddy). There have also been other reported incidents of DKBA soldiers crossing the border into Thailand and killing Karen villagers.
The pictures shown below were taken at one of the sites where mainly women and children have fled the fighting.
Click on one of the thumbnails below to view a larger image.
