Burma-Myanmar: Tatmadaw targets civilians following military defeat in Kachin State, KWAT says
Following a series of embarrassing military defeat during the conflict with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Burma Army increased attacks on civilians, a Kachin Women’s Association of Thailand (KWAT) report has found.
According to KWAT’s June 16 report, the Tatmadaw committed human rights abuses against civilians in Kachin State in response to KIA seizing several strategic military camps in Kachin State.
After KIA overran the military on Alaw Bum on March 25, Burma Army shelled civilians in Momauk Township with artillery and soldiers and moved into villages, displacing 6,000 people from Momauk and Bhamo towns. The artillery attacks killed at least 9 people and injured at least 15, including 3 children.
Tatmadaw arrested many youths, accusing them of associating with the KIA in Myitkyina, Mohnyin and Karmine townships