Kantarawaddy Times
The Myanmar military junta conducted an airstrike on an IDP camp in eastern Dee Maw Hso Township, Karenni State, around 12:00 PM on January 15. The attack resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to four others, according to Ta Eh Soe, spokesperson for the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF).
Among the deceased were a 38-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, who were siblings from the same family. Another woman later died to her injuries while receiving medical treatment. Her age has not yet been confirmed.
“A single family lost two members instantly—a man and a woman who were siblings. Their mother got facial injuries but is not in critical condition,” a local resident reported.
The four injured included two men and two women, who got injuries to their legs, thighs, and faces. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
The junta targeted a location primarily where displaced civilians take shelter. As such, it was not a military target, and the attack represents a blatant war crime against the civilian population, Ta Eh Soe stated.
He added that there have been no recent battles in Dee Mae Hso Township.
“The sites targeted by the airstrikes are IDP camps and villages, not military areas. These are places unrelated to the conflict. Whether it’s the villages in western Phekhon Township, eastern Loikaw, or western Dee Mae Hso Township, these areas are far from the frontlines. The junta’s actions clearly show their intent to harm civilians intentionally,” Ta Eh Soe emphasized.
On the evening of January 15, the junta’s Battalion 102, stationed at Ngwe Taung, shelled eastern Dee Maw Hso Township with heavy artillery, a local resident said.
“They’ve been firing artillery non-stop. They shelled last night and are doing it again tonight. Although the displaced civilians have not yet moved further, they are living in fear,” the resident explained.
This attack follows an airstrike conducted by the junta in Loikaw Township on January 14. Since the beginning of 2025, the junta has launched at least 11 airstrikes in Karenni State, targeting areas in Loikaw, Dee Maw Hso Township, and western Phekhon near the Shan-Karenni border. These attacks on civilian areas have caused widespread fear among local communities.
