Human Rights Violations Surge in Myanmar’s Karenni State Amid Renewed Junta Offensive

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma Human rights violations in Myanmar's Karenni (Kayah) State escalated significantly in June following a renewed military offensive launched by the junta in May, according to a monthly report by the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG). The junta's counteroffensive aims to regain territorial control over the central transportation corridor of Karenni State via the Pinlaung–Pekhon–Moebye Union Highway in southern Shan State. The military also maintains a dominant presence along the nearly 77-mile Union Highway connecting Moebye, Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, and Bawlakhe. As a result of the fighting, key sections of the Demoso–Hpruso–Bawlakhe road—previously vital for local transportation and trade—have been closed. Residents report that alternative routes are severely degraded, noting that the Maese–Demoso trade route has suffered its worst road and bridge damage since the 2021 military coup. “Some of the main roads we used before are no longer accessible," said a displaced woman from Demoso Township. "Because it is the rainy season, we have to travel through forest tracks, which extends journeys significantly. What used to be a one-day trip now takes a week or even ten days. Everything has become much more difficult. Recently, drone attacks have intensified, and airstrikes have resumed as well.” In May, junta operations spanned Hpruso, Demoso, Bawlakhe, Hpasawng, Hsihseng, Pinlaung, and Pekhon townships. According to the KnHRG report, Hpruso Township recorded the highest number of civilian casualties and property destruction. Farmers in Hpruso also reported continuous drone surveillance by the military. Several agricultural workers have been injured by shrapnel from drone-dropped bombs, and the persistent threat of attacks has severely delayed seasonal crop cultivation. While no active junta troop movements have been observed recently in the southern townships of Bawlakhe and Hpasawng, revolutionary forces confirmed that heavy clashes persist in Moebye and Pekhon along the Shan–Karenni border in the northwest. Data compiled by KnHRG highlights a sharp month-on-month increase in military assaults on civilian areas from May to June: Civilian Casualties: In May, 2 civilians were killed and 10 injured. In June, casualties rose to 3 killed (including a child) and 17 injured. The rights group also documented five civilian arrests, one instance of troops firing on civilians, one targeted killing, and one landmine incident across the two months.