INTERNATIONAL: In the latest of a string of conflicts in Myanmar, more than 30 people, including elders, women and children, were found killed with their bodies burnt in the conflict-torn state of Kayah, on Friday.
According to Karenni Human Rights Group, they found the charred remains of 30 internally displaced people’s bodies near Mo So village of Hpruso town in Myanmar on Saturday. They report that these people were killed by the military currently ruling Myanmar. In a Facebook post following the horrific killings, the human rights group wrote, "We strongly denounce the inhumane and brutal killing which violates human rights.”
The International NGO, Save the Children, has also reported on Sunday that two of its staff members have gone missing following the deadly attack. The two staff members were reportedly travelling back to their home villages for the holidays when their private vehicles got caught up in the conflict area. The organization has reported it will be suspending its operations in Kayah state.
Myanmar state media reports that the military shot and killed an unspecified number of "terrorists with weapons" from opposition armed forces in the village, adding that these people were in seven vehicles that did not stop for the military.
According to the Karenni National Defence Force (one of the largest civilian militia groups opposing the junta that led a coup on 1 February), the people found killed were not members of their militia but displaced civilians who were seeking refuge from the conflict.
Meanwhile, there is ongoing conflict between the military and a rebel group along the Thai-Myanmar border, where the Myanmar military have been carrying out airstrikes on an area controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU). The escalation in conflict has led thousands to flee to Thailand.
The country of Myanmar has experienced severe turmoil since the military led a coup that ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on 1 February, claiming that the November election where her party won was a fraud, despite international observers concluding the ballot was fair.
Since then, numerous civilian protests, crackdowns on protestors and clashes between the anti-junta militia and the army have taken place. The Myanmar military has also outlawed several opponents who they have labelled as traitors or terrorists. This includes a self-proclaimed National Unity Government which seeks to lobby the international community and prevent the junta from consolidating power.
