Displacement on the Rise in Karenni State as the Military Junta Escalates Attacks Against Innocent Civilians
7 October 2025
A primary concern over the third quarter has been the escalation of attacks against innocent civilians, especially as the junta attempts to reclaim lost land and territory in Karenni State, forcing more people to flee. Villagers are escaping from Western Demoso, Eastern Pekon, Moebye, and the surrounding areas. The rainy season has made the situation on the ground more difficult, particularly with mortar shelling and airstrikes.
The Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) is increasingly concerned for the safety and well-being of children and the elderly. There are currently at least 200,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Karenni State who are in urgent need of emergency humanitarian assistance. During the reporting period, KnHRG documented that there were 63 civilians killed and 114 wounded. In July, 23 civilians were killed and 31 wounded; in August, the numbers increased to 35 dead and 47 wounded. In September, there were five lives lost due to military violence and 36 wounded.
Throughout July, civilians faced serious threats to their safety and well-being, including ongoing arson by the junta. Over 60 homes were destroyed—30 by airstrikes, two by mortar shelling, and 30 by fire. The deteriorating human rights situation has created an environment of fear, with local people increasingly being unlawfully arrested and detained. On 25 July 2025, 30 people returning from Mawchee to Loikaw were arrested at the Loikaw checkpoint. Additionally, more than 40 people who fled from war to Wan Ngo from eastern Loikaw were arrested.
The Burma Army is depriving people of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The international community must act urgently to intervene and end the junta’s terror on innocent civilians. According to the Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), so far this year, military airstrikes have caused 33 deaths and 94 injuries. Those killed include 15 men, nine women, two children, and seven unknown individuals.
