By Kantarawaddy Times
Fighting continues in Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State, two months after Karenni groups launched their offensive on November 11 to oust the State Administration Council (SAC) from the town. As Loikaw faces endless shelling and airstrikes by SAC, it is not safe for civilians who fled to return at this point in time.
According to an officer with the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) information department, the regime bombards the town every day, and the few civilians remaining must also be evacuated for their safety.
He stated that they attacked SAC to force them to leave Loikaw, but the regime is targeting civilians. “In particular, the military council is indiscriminately attacking the town with artillery shelling and airstrikes all day and night,” causing a number of fatalities. “Loikaw town has turned into a battlefield, and civilians should not live there.”
Yet, some remain in Kyi Thayar, Aka 500, Law May, and other wards near SAC’s IB-54 in Loikaw.
U Banyar, the second secretary of Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), said that the regime typically attacks civilian targets with airstrikes and shelling when they suffer many casualties in battle. Their soldiers also burn down people’s houses, emphasizing the need to get everyone out of Loikaw as soon as possible.
“If they want to return to their homes to collect their food and belongings in Loikaw town, they can directly contact the committee established by Karenni resistance groups and the police department under IEC,” he said, explaining that if it’s safe, they can make arrangements.
According to estimates provided by the resistance, they have taken over half the town since their offensive started. SAC bombings have killed at least 70 people and wounded 50, and many homes and buildings were destroyed.
