FBR REPORT: Burma Army burns villages and chases over 900 people into the jungle, attacks continue in Northern Karen State 24 July 2010
Karen State, Burma
24 July, 2010

 
 
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
  The Burma Army is now attacking villages in Papun (Muthraw) District, Northern Karen State, burning two villages and chasing 916 people into he jungle. Two Burma Army battalions, LIB 370 and LIB 361 continue the attacks.
 

On July 23, 2010 at 11:00 am, the two Burma Army Battalions approached The Da Der village. The villagers fled. Before entering they shelled 41 mortar rounds into the village. At 2:00pm one Battalion remained on top of the hill above the village while the other entered the village and started looting and burning homes in the upper section. As of today- 24 July, at 1200 noon. (Thai time) the troops are still occupying the village. From Tha Da Der, over 600 people have had their property destroyed and are displaced. They have joined with 300 more villagers from the neighboring areas who have fled for protection but whose villages have not yet been attacked. Families from the villages of Htee Mu Der, Hta Koh Ta Ba, Khee Ti Hta, Thoo Kho Kee, are with the families from The Da Der staying in the Tha Oh Der adding an influx of almost over 900 (now almost 1000) persons to that village area. Burma Army troops from a different camp (Maw Kyo) have also been assisting in the attack of the village by shelling into the area from another direction. The present location of the strategic commander is Kyu Lu camp. The houses of Tha Da Der villager as well as this in the village of Ti Baw Lah, have been burnt to the ground. Most of the families in these crisis areas fled their homes in advance of the Burma Army attack and no casualties have been reported. The rains are now here and those in hiding need, security, shelter, food and medicine.

One FBR team is currently with the displaced people helping to coordinate assistance. The Burma Army continues to attack.

Thank you for your prayers and care,

God bless you,

A relief team leader

Free Burma Rangers