Fighting between the military and an ethnic rebel group near Myawaddy, located on the border with Thailand, has continued for a second consecutive day. The city’s residents are either hiding or trying to cross the border to safety. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, reported that skirmishes had been ongoing throughout the night and into the morning. The area is filled with sounds of artillery, explosions, and planes flying overhead.
The Karen National Union, an armed ethnic minority group, is attempting to control a crucial trading hub on the Thai border near Myawaddy. The militia claimed to have captured an important military base in Thingannyinaung, approximately ten kilometers west of Myawaddy, with over 600 soldiers, police officers, and their families surrendering. Despite the ongoing fighting in Myawaddy, the junta still appears to have control over the city.
The escalating violence has prompted a significant number of people to flee their homes. Thailand has announced its willingness to accommodate up to 100,000 refugees in Mae Sot, a city located across the Thai-Myanmar border. Reports indicate that around a thousand individuals were waiting at the border crossing on Wednesday.
Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war with various rebel groups taking up arms against the military rulers. In recent months, the civil war has intensified with rebels advancing into regions that were previously untouched by violence. Life for residents in the region remains uncertain and fraught with danger as conflict continues to escalate.
In recent years, Myanmar has faced numerous challenges such as political instability and economic hardship which led to increasing unrest among its citizens. The military coup on February 1st brought these issues to boiling point resulting in widespread protests and eventually leading to violence.
The situation in Myanmar is complex and multifaceted with different parties involved including government forces and various ethnic groups fighting for their rights and interests.
The conflict between government forces and ethnic groups is not new but it seems that it has escalated recently due to political instability and economic hardship.
As of now there is no clear end in sight for this conflict as both sides continue their fight for power and resources.
