12th-17th December, 2021

 

On 15 December, clashes broke out between the junta troops and the joint force of KNU and PDF troops in Lay Kay Kaw town, 9 miles south of Myawaddy, Karen State. Fighting erupted after about 400 junta troops raided the town and arrested 32 civilians, including CDM civil servants and a member of parliament, who were taking refuge in the KNU-controlled town. Local media report that about 18 junta troops, including a colonel and some officers, were killed and the KNU captured six members of LIB 275 and two members of the Border Guard Force (BGF).

According to KIC Media, about 3,000 locals in nearby villages have been displaced and about 1,000 have fled to Thailand. The junta’s artillery shells fell on the Thai side injuring some displaced civilians. The Thai military has warned that it would retaliate if the junta continue firing to its side.

On 15 December, members of the FPNCC met with the representatives of the junta in the town controlled by the National Democratic Alliance (NDAA) in eastern Shan State. A source close to the FPNCC told Tachileik News Agency that the Chinese government facilitated between the groups and the meeting was attended by representatives of six FPNCC members except the KIA.

Khit Thit reports that 89 inmates at Insein Prison who took part in the Silent Strike on 10 December were beaten by prison guards and sexually assaulted. Family members told the Burma Associated Press that Soe Naing, a freelance journalist who photographed the Silent Strike campaign in Yangon, died at the interrogation center on the third day after his arrest.

On 11 December, junta troops killed six villagers and destroyed their homes in Nagadwin village in Tabayin Township, Sagaing Region, according to the Irrawaddy. The Burma VJ reports that a boat carrying jade and other supplies for the junta troops was wrecked in the Chindwin River on 12 December due to the PDF’s ambush. According to the NUG's Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, 2,117 junta troops were killed and 682 wounded in the one-month period from 7 November to 6 December.

In Pauk Township, Magway Region, 15 education staff left their jobs and reported to their offices about their decision to join the CDM, locals told The Irrawaddy. On 12 December, the NUG's Acting president said he would like to work together with the Arakan Army (ULA / AA) to overthrow the military dictatorship.