About 3,000 residents from three villages have fled as a result of the fighting between the Tatmadaw and the KNU in Thaton Township, announced the Karen National Union (KNU) center.

About 2,892 people from 501 households in Shwe Yaung Pya, Zi Wun and Awin Gyi villages are fleeing as heavy shells were hit in their villages and some residents of Khalauk Inn, Michaung Eie, Mayangone, Daung and Pan Aung Gone villages are also fleeing, it said.

In addition, on July 21, a local from Kazai Village, Thathon Township was injured when a heavy weapon landed in the village. An explosion caused by a heavy shell occurred in Kyone Min Village in that night, it said.

On June 22 and 23, another battle broke out between the Tatmadaw and the KNU near Weyyun Village in Winrae Township, it said.