By Kantarawaddy Times
The military junta’s continuous use of firebombs in residential areas of Moe Bye, a town on the Shan-Karenni border, has resulted in the destruction of around 30 civilian homes within February, according to U Banya, Deputy Secretary (2) of the Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State.
“There have been frequent artillery shellings, firebomb attacks, and airstrikes. The most affected area is Moe Bye. Last month, about 50 houses were burned down, and this month, it’s around 30,” said U Banya.
He mentioned that gathering specific details regarding the locations and neighborhoods where houses were burned remains difficult, but efforts are being made to collect more information.
Since December 2024, the military junta has been using firebombs in its attacks on Moe Bye. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) spokesperson, Tar El Soe, confirmed that the junta has resumed these attacks in February.
“The use of firebombs in Moe Bye started back in December. Now, in February, they have begun using them again. They are dropping these firebombs from drones and using chemical weapons as well. Many houses have been damaged or destroyed due to these firebombs and airstrikes. However, it is still difficult to get exact figures on the extent of the damage,” said Tar El Soe.
Moe Bye continues to be a battleground between the junta and resistance forces, with daily clashes. In addition to firebomb attacks, the junta has been carrying out airstrikes and artillery shelling throughout February. Due to ongoing battles, resistance forces announced a five-day temporary restriction on public movement within Moe Bye from February 24 to 28 for security reasons.
As of now, no official statements have been released by the resistance forces regarding the ongoing clashes and the extent of destruction caused by the firebomb attacks.
According to Progressive Karenni People’s Force (PKPF), a total of 2,897 houses have been destroyed due to the conflict in Karenni State and Kayan region from February 1, 2021, to January 31, 2025.
