INTERNATIONAL: More airstrikes were carried out by Myanmar’s military near the Thai border on Friday, according to the rebel group that operates near the border.
This is the latest in an escalation of violence that has sent hundreds fleeing into Thailand.
According to the Karen National Union (KNU), the Myanmar military launched two airstrikes and fired artillery rounds near the Thai-Myanmar border late on Thursday.
Several explosions were heard at night from the Thai border town, Mae Sot, which is around 15 km away from where the air strikes took place.
Since the Myanmar military ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February, the country has been in turmoil with numerous civilian protests and clashes between the anti-junta militia and the army.
According to the Thailand foreign ministry, more than 4,200 people have crossed into Thailand since the violence began between the Myanmar military and the KNU last week. As high as 10,000 people have been displaced due to this new conflict, reported by civil society groups.
In response to the displacements, the KNU has called on the international community to establish a no-fly zone in the area.
Thailand's foreign ministry has expressed concern about the violence along the border, and several foreign envoys to Myanmar, such as from the EU, Britain and the United States, have issued a joint statement calling for an end to the attacks by the military, stating it as a violation of International Humanitarian Law.
