The ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military council and the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) in Mong Pai (Moe Bye), Southern Shan State, has reached a devastating new level, with reports of villages being deliberately burned to the ground.

Since 2022, the KNDF has collaborated with the Southern Shan Military Region Strategy (1) to protect the region. However, the military has intensified its offensive, deploying incendiary bombs, drones, artillery, and even fighter jets to target civilian homes.

“The fighting is relentless almost daily. They are systematically burning houses with incendiary bombs. On the worst days, fighter jets are called in. Miraculously, there have been no casualties so far,” a KNDF spokesperson told SHAN.

The military’s campaign to seize control of Mong Pai, which began in December 2024, has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement. Civilians, caught in the crossfire, are struggling to survive with no safe haven.

“We have nowhere to flee. When the airstrikes come, we run to bomb shelters or hide in the forest. Survivals depend on how fast we can escape,” a displaced woman shared with SHAN.

This is not the first time residents of Mong Pai and surrounding villagers have been forced to flee. Many were displaced during the military’s “11.11” operation in 2023 and again in December 2024. Those who sought refuge in Taunggyi now face dire shortages of food and clean water, exacerbating their suffering.

The conflict took a deadly turn on March 14, when heavy clashes broke out between the military and resistance forces. The KNDF reported that 15 junta soldiers were killed, several others injured, and weapons and ammunition were confiscated.