Nearly 3,000 residents from four villages in western Pai Khun (Pekon) Township, southern Shan State, have fled their homes after junta troops launched arson attacks and clashed with Karenni revolutionary coalition forces, local sources said.

During the first and second weeks of October, junta troops advanced into Salong (South), Salong (North), and Baw Yan villages in western Pai Khun Township, near the Shan–Karenni State border—a frontline area of ongoing clashes between the military and Karenni resistance groups. Soldiers reportedly set fire to civilian homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee into nearby forests and across the border into safer areas.

“On the day they began fleeing, thousands of IDPs gathered together. We had to help them reach safer locations. Because there were so many, we had to split them into smaller groups. Some are now sheltering in hillside farms and forests,” a local volunteer assisting the displaced told SHAN.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are now scattered across nearby villages along the Shan–Karenni State border, temporary camps, and forested areas. According to a staff member from Jobs for Kayah, most are in urgent need of shelter materials such as roofing, bamboo, and wood.

“Some are temporarily staying by the roadside as best they can. Almost everyone is living under makeshift shelters. Some are still trying to build a place to sleep. Nearly all of them need help,” the staff member said.

In addition to housing materials, displaced families also require food, drinking water, and healthcare support—particularly for the elderly and children, who make up a large portion of those affected.

Local sources said this is the third time residents from these villages have been forced to flee due to clashes between junta troops, Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia forces, and Karenni revolutionary groups.

Since October 13, fighting has intensified near Baw Yan village, with junta forces reportedly firing heavy artillery daily into surrounding areas.