October 31, 2024

WEEKLY BURMA SUMMARY

Rangers treat an injured KNLA soldier on the frontline.

Ranger Teams Provide Aid Amid Burma Military Airstrikes and Mortar Attacks

This week, many reports of Burma military airstrikes and mortar attacks have come in from our areas of operation. Civilians were again either intentionally targeted or caught in the crossfire. Most notably, northern Karen State was hit by several airstrikes and indirect fire resulting in injuries to three civilians while one civilian in central Karen State was killed and another injured.

NORTHERN KAREN STATE

Left: A home destroyed by a Burma military airstrike. 

Right: IDPs who were forced from their homes by flooding. 

Top: A home destroyed by a Burma military airstrike. 

Bottom: IDPs who were forced from their homes by flooding.

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The Burma Army launched several airstrikes into two villages in Bu Tho Township, Mu Traw District, destroying houses and a church. A Burma Army jet bombed Kaw Pu camp twice on 21 Oct. On 25 Oct., two Burma Army jets dropped four bombs on Shaw Bway Der, Bu Tho Township, destroying a church and some houses. No villagers were injured. 

In Let Ka and Na Tha Gwein, the Burma Army fired howitzer and 120mm mortars, harming three civilians while other Burma Army troops fought resistance forces in Kler Lwe Htoo District. On 23 Oct., Burma Army forces attacked the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) at Suu Kin Tha, injuring four resistance soldiers. On Oct. 25 and 26, the Burma Army fired howitzer rounds and 120mm mortars into Let Ka Village and Na Tha Gwein, Ler Doh Township, injuring three villagers, including a 60-year-old woman. During the attacks, Rangers provided first aid medical treatment to the patients. 

Read Ko Ye’s story of imprisonment

CENTRAL KAREN STATE

Left: Burma military jets attack the village of Anang Kuin, near the Anang Military Base.

Right: Damage in Pa Naw Klal Kee Village caused by Burma military jets.

Top: Burma military jets attack the village of Anang Kuin, near the Anang Military Base.

Bottom: Damage in Pa Naw Klal Kee Village caused by Burma military jets.

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In recent days, Dooplaya District has become a focal point of intensified military activity, severely impacting local communities. As clashes escalate and airstrikes threaten the safety of residents, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance grows, highlighting the resilience of those working to support affected families amidst ongoing violence.

On 21 Oct., KNLA  fixed-wing drones executed multiple strikes on the Sat Kok Burma Army gate at 1140, 1216, and 1250 hours.

On 22 Oct., the FBR Dooplaya team delivered much-needed medication and dental help to a child suffering from a toothache in Thar Myar Village, Win Yee Township. That morning, at 1020 hours, drone strikes began, first targeting the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) 24th Battalion security gate and then hitting the KNLA headquarters shortly after. There were no injuries reported.

On 23 Oct., the military council dropped bombs on To Phu Phu (Pha Aung) and Wham Maw Lai villages, using both 500-pound and 200-pound ordnance. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although one bomb did not detonate, posing a lingering threat to the community.

By 24 Oct., the Burma military continued its operations, with a Y-12 aircraft delivering food supplies to Burma Army troops in Anang King Buuha at 1215 hours. The next day a Y-12 reconnaissance mission occurred before a jet fighter targeted Pa Naw Klal Kee Village, resulting in the death of one villager and injuries to his wife. The bombing also damaged local churches and homes.

On 26 Oct., at 1935, another military jet bombed Anang Kuin Village, damaging homes but thankfully causing no casualties. The persistent violence and instability have created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Despite these challenges, local teams are working tirelessly to support affected families, providing hope and relief amidst a crisis that seems far from over.

See more from the Dooplaya District attack

KARENNI STATE

Left: Rangers administer a mobile clinic at Pekin High School.

Right: A KNDF soldier practices a casualty carry during a combat first aid training.

Top: Rangers administer a mobile clinic at Pekin High School.

Bottom: A KNDF soldier practices a casualty carry during a combat first aid training.

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Karenni Rangers visited four schools this week to provide medical treatment and safety training while continuing relief programs and combat first aid training.

On 18 Oct., Karenni Rangers concluded a two-week Combat First Aid and Physical Fitness training course for 152 Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) soldiers. Rangers taught the trainees how to respond to hemorrhage, airway, and respiratory injuries as well as casualty evacuation. 

On 21 and 23 Oct., Ranger medics hosted two mobile medical clinics at Pekin High School and Lone Phi Primary School, both located in Phe Khon Township. They treated a total of 200 IDPs for common cold, gastritis, hypertension, scabies, tinea, anemia and other common diseases. In addition to the clinic, other Ranger teams conducted a Good Life Club (GLC) program for 90 people on 23 Oct., at Do Ya Upper School, HoYa Township, and a shelter-in-place training for students of Daw Khu Thwe Primary School, East Demosso Township. The following day, a Ranger team conducted a shelter-in-place training for residents of Phu Kha Lar Khu Village, West Hpruso Township. Rangers taught students and villagers how to take cover in case of air or mortar attack and basic skills for evacuation and treatment of the injured. 

See more of FBR’s work in Karenni State

SOUTHERN SHAN STATE

Damage to Saung Pa Lan Village caused by Burma military airstrikes. 

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Violence in Phekon Township forced the evacuation of most of the population of two villages.

On 23 Oct., Burma military jet fighters conducted an airstrike on three civilian homes in Saung Pa Lan Village, Phekon Township. Karenni Rangers reported that on 24 Oct., 400 Burma Army troops and 200 Pa-Oh National Army troops clashed with the Karenni National Defense Force, People’s Defense Force, and other resistance troops at Mine Pyat Village, Phekhon Township. Due to the fighting, most of the residents of the two villages have fled to East Phekon, West Phekon, and Taung Gyi villages, Phekon Township. Karenni Rangers are preparing to respond to ongoing fighting in the area with frontline medical relief and evacuation support for non-combatants.   

See more airstrike damage caused by the Burma military

IRAQ AND SYRIA

The aftermath of Turkish airstrikes targeting Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria.

Ongoing airstrikes in northeast Syria and medical needs in Kurdistan highlight the urgent support needed for vulnerable communities in conflict zones.

We continue to pray for peace and safety as the situation remains critical in areas of Syria. Turkey’s airstrikes are ongoing, with new strikes reported around Qamishli, Derik, Amuda, and Kobani. Our team in Syria is safe for now but remains on high alert, as bombings have been heard nearby.

In Kurdistan, Iraq, a woman we’re assisting is still in the hospital after her recent fall and critical drop in blood pressure. With your support, we were able to contribute $1,000 towards her medical bills, and we are working to secure a bed for her recovery once she is discharged.

Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. Please continue to keep our teams and those affected in your prayers.

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