By Kantarawaddy Times
Karenni resistance groups battling the military have killed about 100 soldiers after fighting intensified since three regime columns were deployed in eastern Demoso Township.
“Although we don’t know the exact number of Burma army casualties, I know many have died,” including some captains, said Khun Nye Reh, the interior minister of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP).
Some were killed by landmines planted by the joint Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) and the KNPP’s military wing, the Karenni Army (KA), he said, and during fierce firefights.
Two KNDF soldiers from Battalion 10, a KA soldier and a member of the Naypyidaw People’s Defence Force were also killed in the clashes. An officer from the KNDF’s information department explained that the fighting has increased since 9 March, but couldn’t provide additional details for security reasons.
U Banyar, director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, said about 100 civilian homes in the area had been destroyed
“We can see smoke from Bethalin and Ze Phyu Kon and some people say that between 50 and 70 houses were burnt in these villages. About 50 houses in Dor Tamagyi village tract were damaged by shelling,” he told Kantarawaddy Times.
The regime has been flying airstrikes and shelling the village tract with artillery from its No.14 Military Academy in Hpruso town and its base in Bawlakhe town.
