Civilian casualties reported in Kayah State clashes

By DMG 24 Feb 2022

DMG Newsroom
24 February 2022, Demoso, Kayah State

Renewed fighting took place between the Myanmar military and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) in Demoso, Kayah State, on Wednesday evening, destroying some houses and injuring many locals, according to local sources.

A KNDF official told DMG that the fighting broke out on February 22 and 23 as the Myanmar military expanded its force presence from Moebye, which borders Kayah and Shan states, to Demoso.

“For the past two days, the Myanmar military has been sending its forces to Demoso. The Myanmar military, along with tanks and helicopters, marched en masse to Demoso. Military tensions on both sides escalated into casualties,” the KNDF official added.

More than 50 junta soldiers and over 20 KNDF members were reportedly killed in the clashes.

Two civilians were killed and at least two others were injured in an airstrike by the Myanmar military near Nang Mae Khon and Daw Kamee villages in Demoso Township on Wednesday night, destroying more than five houses.

Local people are still fleeing and are in urgent need of food and medicine, according to a Karenni humanitarian aid worker.

“The Myanmar military launched another airstrike. Many locals have fled since the previous clash. Food and medicine are still urgently needed as the remaining residents have fled,” the aid worker added.