Karen State, Myanmar is currently suffering the largest offensive by the Burma Army since 1997, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
The offensive, according to eyewitnesses, has seen further killings, the burning of villages, the abduction of civilians, and forced labour for the Burma Army.A relief team working in eastern Myanmar known as the Free Burma Rangers, have claimed that the number of displaced people in Karen state has risen to over 18,000, up 2,000 people since reports from the Rangers in late May.
It is claimed that in one area over 800 civilians were captured and forced to work as porters for the military along with over 1,000 prisoners.
In the most recent reported attack, Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 362 attacked and burned the village of Ger Baw Kee in the northwestern District of Muthraw on 2nd June.
The villages of Naw You Hta and Kay Pu also suffered their third day of mortar attacks by three Burma Army Battalions on the 1st June.
It has been reported by porters, who have escaped from the military, that the Burma army has intentions to expand its operation further by attacking Myaunglebin, Toungoo and Muthraw Districts.We urge the rest of the international community to...seek an end to these attacks by supporting a clear resolution.
Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director of CSW
