Fighting broke out between the Tatmadaw and the Karen National Armed Forces on the morning of December 15th in Lay Kay Kaw Myo Thit, south of Myawaddy, according to local residents.

“The fighting began around 11am. There are no residents left in the villages. Our family is trying to get out too. We are hearing the sounds of heavy machinery,” says a resident of Lay Kay Kaw village.

More than 20 people were reportedly arrested, including a Member of Parliament, by security forces yesterday in Lay Kay Kaw Myo Thit, a town in the Karen National Union (KNU)- controlled area.

Consequently, fighting erupted today (December 15th), which has caused thousands of locals to flee their homes, according to residents.

A mother says, “I never thought I would be running like this for the rest of my life with my baby in a cradle under a tree. I feel so sorry for my daughter.”

Fighting erupted the morning of December 15th. Casualties have been reported, according to local residents. Shootings resumed the evening of December 15th around 6PM.

Residents of Lay Kay Kaw Myo Thit are taking refuge in the monasteries and homes in the nearby villages of Htee Ma Wa Ki, Ingyin Myaing, Mae Htaw Thale, Min Latt Pan, and Yathae Gu.

According to initial reports, security has been increased on the Thai side of the Thaung Yin River due to the fighting in Lay Kay Kaw Myo Thit.

Lay Kay Kaw Myo Thit is a new town built during talks with KNU leadership under the President Thein Sein administration as a symbol of peace.