To Defend the Innocent: A Look into the Life of a Karen Resistance Soldier

No child should feel the ground shake from explosions, nor feel he has no choice but to join an armed revolution. Childhood should be free from the violence of war. However, for many in Karen State, Burma, war is as much a part of life as school or family. Lar Weso is one of these. He was born into a conflict zone and grew up to be an effective soldier in the Karen resistance.

Lar Weso, now 20 years old, grew up in a small village in Karen State near the border of Thailand. Lar Weso is the oldest of six, and like many children in his region, he attended a primary school in his younger years. But for him, the raging civil war was always in his backyard and at the front of his mind. For over 70 years, the people of Karen State have suffered violence at the hands of the Burma Army as it has attempted to dominate Karen communities. From a young age, Lar Weso would listen to the elders of his village as they told stories of their people's suffering and resistance throughout the generations, helping shape his worldview and build his sense of duty. These stories, combined with a long family history of rebel fighters, shaped his desire to follow in their footsteps and fight against the tyranny of the Burma Army.

When Lar Weso was 13, the Burma Army attacked his village, leaving many in the village killed or injured. After witnessing the atrocities the Burma Army committed—not only across Karen State, but in his own village—Lar Weso was filled with determination to fight back. He wanted justice. Without hesitation, he joined up with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). At first, resistance leaders considered him too young to fight. Being small and not strong enough, Lar Weso could only chamber an AK-47 by using his foot to push down the charging handle. But he would not take no for an answer, volunteering for any task available within conflict zones. His dedication and grit helped him excel within the KNLA.

Lar Weso recounted one battle in particular. During an operation, the KNLA surrounded and ambushed a Burma Army camp as a patrol returned. During the fighting, his friend was injured beside him. Though filled with fear, Lar Weso pulled his friend out of danger, saving his life. At the same time, his commander was also injured. The commander called for help, but as fighting intensified, no one came to his aid. The Burma Army was closing in, and the likelihood of the commander being captured was high. Again, the commander called for help, this time specifically calling for Lar Weso to help him. He answered that call. The young fighter ran toward the danger and carried the commander to safety. His actions earned him the respect of many within the KNLA.

One well-respected Ranger from the Free Burma Rangers gave his account of Lar Weso’s character. He stated that Lar Weso is very brave and has proven it on multiple occasions. “He is always the first to walk into a minefield so that no one else will step on one,” the Ranger said. He went on to describe Lar Weso as someone who is good-humored and uplifting off the battlefield, but intense and serious when he is on the frontlines.

What does the future look like for Lar Weso? When asked, he said he plans to become a Ranger with the Free Burma Rangers next year. He hopes to gain skills and education for frontline humanitarian work during Ranger training. He is unsure if he wants to have a family, but is certain of one thing he wants in his future. He wants freedom and justice for his people.

Please pray for this friend of FBR, Lar Weso, and for the fight against oppression across Burma.

Thanks and God bless,

The Free Burma Rangers