WEEKLY DISPATCH | Sep 16, 2024 | Free Burma Rangers

December 19, 2024

Hallelujah chorus sung in Karenni State

Merry “Messiah” Christmas from Karenni.

Hallelujah Chorus Sung at Burned Church in Karenni State

This choir of young men and women illustrate the strength of spirit and hope in Jesus despite the evil and suffering around them. Their university studies and professional aspirations were interrupted by the Burma Army in 2021, as was this beautiful church in 2022. While the church was still burning and our team was reporting on this attack, they were able to rescue, David, a young Karenni soldier, who stepped on a landmine on the path leading up to the front steps. 


In 2023, a pastor from Rangoon returned to his home in Karenni State and re-created a program of continuing education, including music, for these students. His vision was to share their hope in Jesus through music at this scene of destruction. They recorded the music and lyrics in their own churchthen performed the Hallelujah Chorus at the site of the burned church. 


Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Jesus’ way, truth and life to overcome evil in Burma. Thank you also for your prayers for our brothers and sisters in Syria as the regime change gave license to ruthless attacks against Kurdish and other minority communities.

CENTRAL KAREN STATE

The Burma Army skirmished with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and were observed transporting detained civilians. Meanwhile, Rangers repaired solar power systems for villages in Hpa-an District.


In Dooplaya District, the Burma Army and the KNLA clashed in small arms engagements between Dec. 10-11 in Kaw T’ree Township. The Burma Army suffered five soldiers killed in action with no reports of casualties on the KNLA side.


In Doo Tha Htoo District, around 300 Burma Army soldiers arrived at Katainti Village on Dec. 13 and were observed transporting detained civilians.


In Hpa-an District, Rangers repaired three solar power systems which restored power for over 300 villagers, including for an eye clinic. Additionally, Rangers conducted a children’s program and shared the Jesus film with over 50 students.


Please pray that the students would be filled with God’s message of love and encouragement as they grow up in these conflict areas.


NORTHERN KAREN STATE

Left: Rangers give blood for the injured KNLA soldier.

Right: Rangers are praying for the severely injured KNLA soldier.

The KNLA captured another Burma Army camp in Mu Traw District, while the Burma Army continued firing howitzers in Kler Lwe Htoo District, harming two civilians.


In Dwe Loh Township, the KNLA seized Burma Army Taw Thon Lo camp on Dec. 11 after a few days of intense fighting and regime airstrikes around Taw Thon Lo, with Burma military airstrikes. They were also able to seize some ammunition from the camp. On Dec. 12, fighting broke out between KNLA and 70 troops of Burma Army in Pah Lo Doh village, Bu Tho Township, resulting in both sides suffering casualties. The following day, an armed clash happened near Pah Lo Doh Village, injuring another four KNLA soldiers. Rangers medical treatment to eight KNLA soldiers and donated blood to one severely injured KNLA soldier. 


On Dec. 15, in Ler Doh Township, Kler Lwe Htoo District, Burma Army shelled howitzers into Dah Ka Lah village, harming two Villagers, destroying one house and killing a cow.

Syria

The recent assault on Manbij, Syria, by Turkish-backed SNA forces has plunged the city into chaos, exacerbating ethnic tensions, crippling infrastructure, and leaving residents in desperate need of humanitarian aid.


Before the recent attack, Manbij experienced relative stability under the administration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). While governance had its shortcomings, residents managed to go about their daily lives without significant disruptions. However, the city had long faced persistent threats from Turkey and factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), which created widespread fear, particularly among the Kurdish population.


On December 8, 2024, this tension erupted into violence when SNA forces, supported by Turkey, launched a large-scale assault on Manbij. The attack was brutal, involving heavy shelling and indiscriminate violence. At least 30 civilians, including women and children, lost their lives, leaving families devastated. Following the assault, public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals was systematically looted, leaving the population without essential services.


Since the takeover, Manbij has descended into chaos. Ethnic discrimination against Kurds has become rampant, with many facing home raids, theft, and arbitrary arrests. Properties belonging to current and former SDF personnel have been confiscated, rendering families homeless. Armed robberies, the seizure of private property, and the absence of a functioning administrative authority have further destabilized the city.


The humanitarian situation has deteriorated drastically. Manbij is completely cut off from water and electricity, leaving residents struggling for basic necessities. Economic conditions have collapsed, with over 10,000 employees losing their jobs, depriving families of income. Fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices have compounded the hardships, worsening an already dire situation. Urgent international attention and intervention are critical to alleviate the suffering and restore stability.

Due to Christmas there will be no Weekly Dispatch next week. Thank you so much for helping us get the news out and Merry Christmas. – Free Burma Rangers


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