June 2022 was a bad month for Karenni State as over 44 military clashes were reported worsening the situation for tens of thousands of displaced people, according to a recently released report by Karenni Voice.

According to the report, seven civilians – five me and 2 women – were killed and 19 were injured, including three juveniles during the month.

The deaths were attributed to the junta sniper headshots, heavy artillery and mine explosions.

Most of the victims were from Demoso Township and others were from the Pekon and Loikaw townships.

The highest number of clashes happened in Demoso Township, with 21 incidents, followed by Hpruso Township racking up over 10 clashes.

A total of 31 junta soldiers and three People’s Defence Force fighters were reportedly killed.

On 3 June, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), Karenni Army (KA) and No. 1008 Infantry Battalion joined the fight against the military junta near Dawtanaw village, Loikaw Township. In the battle, a member from KNDF Battalion 2 fell due to heavy artillery.

On 10 June, in the battle of DMO-PDF and No. 1102 Infantry Battalion against the military troops stationed in Khaukplaw village, Demoso Township, a member from DMO-PDF died. In addition, during the clashes between the junta army and joint forces of KNDF on 11 June, a member from KNDF battalion 9 named John Judith died due to heavy artillery, according to KNDF Battalion 9.

Karenni Voice also stated that the military troops set fire to eight houses and two religious buildings. Between 5 and 11 June, heavy artillery strikes destroyed several houses and a gas station in Pekon Township and at least seven buildings in Demoso Township.

On June 14, the military army fired heavy weapons at Yusomoso village in Demoso Township. As a result, two houses and a motorbike were destroyed. And, on 30 June, a house was destroyed in Lawpita ward in Loikaw Township.

In Demoso Township, Karenni State, about 80,000 IDPs have fled to the forests due to the fighting.

The IDPs are said to be in urgent need of raincoats in the rainy season. They have been running away from their homes since May 2021 due to the continuous clashes in Demoso Township, according to volunteers who aided the IDPs.