 "Over 500 civilians, troops flee to Thailand after ethnic fighters attack Myanmar border base")
More than 500 civilians and troops escaped conflict in Myanmar and crossed into Thailand on Saturday following an attack by ethnic fighters on a military base, according to the Thai army.
Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since a military coup in 2021, with the junta fighting a mix of ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy opposition forces.
The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) launched an attack on a military facility in Kayin state on Saturday about 3 p.m. local time (0800 GMT), according to a Thai military statement.
“The Myanmar soldiers attempted to resist and called for supporting firepower to defend their position but were ultimately unable to hold the line,” it said.
One hundred Myanmar soldiers and 467 civilians had crossed into Thailand on Saturday, where Thai military and police disarmed them and provided treatment and humanitarian aid, officials said.
Thai forces have ramped up patrols along the border in western Tak province to prevent what officials described as a potential “violation of sovereignty by foreign armed forces”.
Saw Thamain Tun, a leader of the KNLA’s political wing, confirmed there had been fighting near the border and said that joint forces had “seized some front posts” from the army.
“Some (Myanmar troops) defected to our joint forces, but some of them ran into Thailand,” he told AFP.
Armed groups from the Karen ethnic minority have long challenged the military and now play a key role in resisting junta control over border zones.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMyanmar’s civil war has caused huge waves of population displacement, with 81,000 refugees or asylum seekers from the country currently living in Thailand, according to United Nations figures.
The KNLA has been fighting for decades to establish greater autonomy for the Karen people living along Myanmar’s southeastern flank.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
