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Myanmar launches operations against Karen
12 June 2009
Karen civilians take shelter on the bank of the Moei river after fleeing the fighting between Myanmar soldiers and Karen guerrillas in Tha Song Yang district of Tak province, Thailand on 7 June 2009. (PA)
Although Thai Army Lieutenant General Aphirakyothin, who operates in the border region, claimed that only 1,741 Karen had entered Thailand, there is little doubt that the movement of refugees indicates an ongoing offensive in eastern Myanmar.
The military operations are targeting the rebel Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU). The military offensive began on 3 June, according to KNU commander Kyaw Ny. However, the Irrawaddy website claimed in late April that the Myanmar military had begun a sustained campaign against Battalion 201 of the KNLA.