WEEKLY DISPATCH | Sep 16, 2024 | Free Burma Rangers

March 6, 2025

WEEKLY BURMA SUMMARY

Rangers transport an injured KNLA soldier to the hospital.

Rangers Support Wounded Amid Increased Fighting in Karen State

Additional fighting in regions of Karen State have kept Ranger teams busy treating wounded and supporting civilians forced from their homes. Burma military jet attacks in northern Karen State resulted in the death of resistance soldiers and 30 more wounded, while a Burma helicopter attack killed one civilian. In central Karen State, Burma military forces launched ground attacks, shelling, drone strikes, and airstrikes against the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and resistance forces, resulting in seven civilian casualties, some soldier deaths, and property damage.

NORTHERN KAREN STATE

Weekly 05-03-25

Rangers treat and evacuate an injured resistance soldier from the front lines amid gunfire.

The Burma military responded to two clashes with three airstrikes in Mu Traw and Kler Lwe Htoo districts which killed 9 people and injured another 38.


When a Burma military jet killed resistance soldiers, injured over 30 more, and destroyed buildings, Rangers responded by giving medical treatment on the frontline in Mu Traw District. Another Burma military jet bombed on Feb. 26 and destroyed buildings in Bu Tho Township. On Feb. 27, fighting broke out between the Burma military and combined resistance groups in Kataing Hti Village, Dwe Loh Township. The Burma military used jets and Y-12 aircraft to fight the resistance troops. Rangers documented eight resistance soldier deaths and treated 35 wounded. A Burma Army sniper shot one KNLA soldier in the head in the vicinity of Hpapun. Rangers sent him to the hospital on Feb. 28.


In Kler Lwe Htoo District, combined troops of the KNLA and People’s Defence Force (PDF) attacked Taung Suu and Ta Ma Kaw Burma Army camp in Mone Township, and seized ammunition on Mar. 1. After the fighting, the Burma military responded by shelling Taung Suu Village, killing one villager and injuring another. That evening at 1700 hours, a Burma military helicopter shot and injured two Nge Twe Sok villagers. 

CENTRAL KAREN STATE

Left: Rangers have fun with children at a GLC program in Dooplaya District.

Right: Ranger in a drone bomb crater in Doo Tha Htoo District.

The Burma Army launched ground attacks, shelling, drone strikes, and airstrikes against the KNLA and resistance forces in Dooplaya and Doo Tha Htoo districts resulting in the killing and injuring of soldiers, civilians, and civilian property.


In Dooplaya District, there was a clash between the KNLA and Burma Army soldiers on Feb. 25, in Kawt Nwe Village in Kaw T’ree Township, resulting in two KNLA injuries and unknown injuries to the Burma Army. On Feb. 26, the Burma Army dropped two 500 lb. bombs on a monastery at Hto Kaw Puu Village in Win Yae Township, injuring two monks and five villagers. The same day, KNLA soldiers were injured in a clash between the KNLA alliance and Burma Army in Kwat Nwe Village, Kaw T’ree Township. The Burma Army damaged two civilian homes during this battle with a drone attack. Additionally, Rangers conducted a GLC program at Thoo Lei Htee Mue school near K’ Toe Hta Village for 80 students and 10 teachers.


In Doo Tha Htoo District, the Burma Army dropped 11 bombs by Y-12 aircraft and fired 58 rounds of 120mm mortars. This displaced many villagers from Hpar Paung, Htee Kyaw Khee, and Mae Ka Nat Khee villages, Hpa-an Township from Feb. 14, to Mar. 1. In Pyinkadoe Kone Village, Kyaikhto Township, the Burma Army dropped multiple bombs on Feb. 28 by drone outside the village, resulting in no injuries. Additionally, the Burma Army dropped drone bombs at Pyin Ka Toe Kone Village on Mar. 3. No civilians were injured, but one house and a grave were damaged from the four bombs that detonated, and more dropped bombs that remain unexploded.

SOUTHERN SHAN AND KARENNI STATE

Left: A villager from Kaung Saung Village who was killed by a Burma Army mortar. 

Right: Rangers give tarps to IDPs in Bawlake Township.

Burma Army Artillery Base (Loikaw) and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 422 attacked villages with mortars and drones in southern Shan State, resulting in eight casualties. Rangers supported IDPs and police with tarps in Karenni State for shelter. 


Burma Army Artillery Base (Loikaw) mortared Kaung Saung Village, Phekhon Township, southern Shan State, on Mar. 1, killing one villager and injuring another four. The injured civilians were taken care of by one hospital in Phekhon. On March 3, Burma military LIB 422 attacked Moebye downtown with mortars and drones, killing one KNDF soldier and injuring another two.


Karenni Rangers supported the IDPs in Bawlake Township, Karenni State, with 30 tarpaulins on Mar. 4. The IDPs were originally from Sa Lae Lone Village and fled their village because of the Burma military airstrike in their village on Jan. 6, 2025. Rangers also gave four tarps to Karenni State Police for shelter.  

IRAQ

The FBR Middle East team advanced its mission by providing medical aid, fostering collaboration with NGOs, and expanding partnerships to enhance support for those in need across Iraq and Syria.


Our FBR Middle East team continued its efforts to provide medical assistance and strengthen partnerships for greater impact. A volunteer doctor treated one patient, baby Shane, and conducted a medical consultation with a local woman regarding health concerns within her family.


In addition to medical work, we met with another NGO to explore the possibility of their network assisting two children from Syria who require heart surgery. We are hopeful that support will be available to provide them with the care they need.


Furthermore, we hosted representatives from other NGOs at our FBR office, fostering collaboration and expanding our network to better serve the people of Iraq and Syria. Strengthening these relationships is key to maximizing our collective impact and delivering meaningful aid to those in need.

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