KAREN STATE- Locals reported that nearly forty homes in Kawkareik, where the war between junta and resistance forces is intensifying, were burnt down to ashes last Christmas night (December 25).
Since December 1, there has been a fierce battle between the Military Council and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in Kawkareik and almost all the locals have been fleeing the town.
Nearly forty houses are destroyed in the fire at No. (5) Hlaing Kwetthit Quarter, where the residents were fleeing the war. The fire was reported to be an arson.
The fire was said to be an arson attack, and it is not known which organization torched the town, but only the military council army and revolutionary forces were present in the town (at that time), said the residents of Kawkareik.
In addition, while most of the residents are fleeing due to the fights, thieves are breaking into and stealing the remaining items from the houses in the Town, according to the locals some of their belongings were missing.
Due to the Kawkareik Battle which started on December 1st, the military tension between the junta army and the revolutionary forces continued until December 26th and the Junta army reportedly opened heavy artillery fire during those fights.