KARENNI STATE – The heavy artillery strikes, aerial bombings, and drone bombings using incendiary bombs by the junta council burned and destroyed around half of Loikaw City, according to local sources on the ground.
Karenni revolutionary forces have been trying since last November to seize Loikaw City, the main base of the junta council in Karenni State.
Although around two-thirds of the city is now under the control of the revolutionary forces, there are still said to be daily clashes to penetrate the bases of the junta council.
“The area around Hotel Mingalar, around the two-story market, Dawukhu, and Naungyar, is in ruins due to heavy weapons, air strikes, arson, and thieves. There are also burned and destroyed properties in Shan Pine and Dawnoekuu,” said a news source in Loikaw.
In addition, out of the people who entered the city to bring out their belongings, although some managed to get out safely, some were abducted by the junta council, according to JOBS for Kayah, a page posting military updates in Loikaw City.
“The junta council is committed to winning the war by any means, not caring about the lives and properties of the people at all. This is nothing new. The junta council has always been like this since before,” said a responsible person from the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).
KNDF recently advised the civilians against staying in Loikaw City as the junta council is conducting heavy weapons attacks, airstrikes, and drone bombings daily.
In addition, KNDF also urged the people to not return home, to get the correct information from the people in charge, to avoid going home to take items as much as possible, to prioritize safety, and to raise military awareness.