In Memory: Burma Army Kills Another Ranger in Karenni State

Karenni State, Burma

13 April 2022

13 April 2022, Karenni State Burma. Nyein Yan Aye, known by his nickname Joe John, was killed by Burma Army shelling. Joe John joined Free Burma Rangers (FBR) in 2014 and went on his first FBR mission in 2015 as a newly graduated Ranger. He helped FBR train over 200 Karenni students after the coup and supported Karenni National Defence Force (KNDF) Battalion 2. He dedicated his whole life to defeating the Burma Army and seeing freedom for his people. He had a smile that was contageous, and a love in his heart that led him to the most dangerous places where people needed help the most. During fighting on 13 April, Joe John was at the front line supporting KNDF-02 when an artillery round impacted next to him, shrapnel went through his chest and he died of his wounds. “This is a huge loss for us, we are so sorry for this.” said the Karenni FBR team leader. Joe John is the fourth Karenni ranger to be killed by Burma army in the past year as heavy attacks continue every day in Karenni State which sees over 250,000 IDPs fleeing.

God bless you,

The Free Burma Rangers