Kantarawaddy Times
Due to a military offensive by the junta troops, around 11,000 people, including residents of Nan Mae Khon and those from the eastern part of Pekhon, located on the Shan–Karenni border, have been displaced to safer areas.
Some residents from the eastern part of Pekhon had already relocated when the route was still open, while others moved after it was closed. As of now, approximately 11,000 people have been displaced, according to Sayar Ba Nyar, Secretary (2) of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC).
“Some moved when the route was still accessible. After it closed, people had to find their own ways to escape. We estimate that at least 11,000 have already fled,” said Sayar Ba Nyar.
As the junta prepares an offensive toward Demoso, civilians in Nan Mae Khon, an area close to the military advance, are also fleeing to safer places.
Additionally, joint forces of the junta and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) have launched attacks on the eastern side of Pekhon, further forcing civilians from those areas to flee.
Some villagers were trapped for over 15 days and were forced to walk long distances on foot to escape.
“We had to sleep in the rain. The ground was cold, and we were soaked from above, too. It was extremely difficult, especially for people without any rain cover, for children, the elderly, and those with disabilities who couldn’t walk on a long journey. It was really, really hard,” said one man who had walked for more than 10 days.
Many fled with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, further facing significant challenges related to shelter, food, and education, according to Sayar Ba Nyar.
“Some people even fled barefoot and couldn’t have any chance of bringing any food. Simply put, many fled with just one outfit. That leads to challenges in clothing, food, drinking water, health, and education. And where they are now, they’re also facing difficulty finding a place to stay. It’s the rainy season now, so they really need shelter. Also, almost every village already hosts IDPs, so it is very hard for those villages to accept everyone to take shelter nearby the village,” said Sayar Ba Nyar.
Currently, most of the displaced people are staying in nearby IDP camps or with relatives in safer areas. Even though these places already host existing IDPs, committees and village authorities are being urged to support the newly arrived displaced people as much as possible.
In November 2024, the junta launched an intense offensive to recapture Moebye. By the afternoon of July 1, 2025, they had successfully regained control over the area. From there, military operations continued along the Moebye–Loikaw highway, and by July 10, the junta had also seized control of that road.
