Burma Army Burns Down Four Villages

New Attack: Burma Army Burns Down Four Villages killing one villager who could not escape and forcing more than 1,000 into hiding

Northern Papun District, Karen State, Eastern Burma.

April 26, 2007

Three Burma Army battalions have launched a new attack in northern Karen State, burning down four villages and killing at least one villager who could not escape in time. More than one thousand people have fled this attack and are now in hiding.

These same troops are now approaching the area of Kaypu village (Lat/Long: N 18 36 50 E 097 03 00). Over 400 villagers from Kaypu and all nearby villages have fled, and an attack on Kaypu is expected soon.

On 22 April, Burma Army LIB 505 burned down Tee Bwey Kee village (N 18 30 10 E 097 02 00). One villager, Saw Aung Tha, 61, was killed by Burma Army troops when he was unable to escape with the rest of the villagers. The entire village fled when the attacking troops entered the village, burning down all 16 homes. Troops then continued to other nearby villages, burning down Tee See Kee (N 18 31 40 E97 03 00), Taw Ku Mu Der (N 18 33 35 E97 02 45), and Boe Na Der (N 18 34 10 E97 03 00). LIB 505 is under the command of Maj. Aung Myo. The other two battalions involved in the attack are not yet known.

Also on 22 April, the Burma Army shelled Plahko village (N18 23 40 E097 08 00).

Context:

The Burma Army is also continuing its road construction operations in northern Papun District. A Burma Army bulldozer has now reached T’ler Ker which is in the area of Ta Kwee Jo. The bulldozer is being used to clear a new road which is intended to connect the current Toungoo-Busakee Road to the Kyauk Kyi-Ler Mu Plaw road. If completed, travel for civilians in northern Karen state will become even more difficult as villagers face attack and risk stepping on landmines when crossing Burma Army controlled roads.

ENDS