Burma-Myanmar: Hundreds flee latest clashes between army and Karen National Union (KNU) fighters
Recent fighting between the military and the Karen National Union (KNU) has forced up to 1,000 villagers in Bago region’s Kyaukkyi township to flee their homes, according to local activists.
The Karen Youth Network (KYN) has reported that clashes that began in Kayin state late last year have spread to Bago region amid tensions over a road being built through KNU territory.
The KYN’s Saw Albert Cho told Myanmar Now that fighting in the area started earlier this month, and has since forced hundreds of villagers to take shelter in the jungle.
“Local residents are taking refuge,” he said, estimating that the total number of those affected could be as high as 1,000.