A shifting power balance: Junta control shrinks in southeast Burma
A report by Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN)
Data and maps compiled by Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) in this briefer provide clear evidence that since the February 2021 coup, the State Administration Council (SAC) junta’s ability to control southeast Burma has significantly diminished, both militarily and in terms of governance. By July 2023, the SAC had lost 62 military camps as a result of offensives by the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army (KNU/KNLA) and its allies, whose expanded control of territory now directly threatens the regime’s central transport artery between Yangon and Naypyidaw. The SAC has also lost control over 370 schools which are now governed by the KNU’s education department.
Escalated SAC artillery and air attacks have failed to reverse their loss of territory, but have driven up internally displaced person (IDP) numbers in Kawthoolei to at least 637,414, an increase of 20% since February this year. KPSN is urgently appealing for $43 million to be provided cross-border for emergency rice needs of these IDPs.