Deadly Clashes in Myanmar Leave 26 Civilians Dead and Chaos Reigns

At least 26 civilians, including six children, have been killed in recent fighting between the Burmese army and resistance fighters in Shan State's Pekon township. The conflict arose after the military government forcibly removed democratically-elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi from office in February 2021, prompting widespread public protests and an armed resistance. The fighting has focused on Mobye, an area between the capital and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which has also been fighting against the military-installed government. Newly formed militia units opposed to military rule are part of a loosely organized People’s Defense Force, or PDF, which has allied with well-established armed ethnic minority groups.