War Breaks Out on Myanmar-Thailand Border, Thousands Flee – CNN Indonesia

CNN Indonesia

Sunday, 21 April 2024 03:00 WIB

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

A war between jutas Myanmar and ethnic minority rebel groups broke out on Myanmar’s eastern border with Thailand, Saturday (20/4). As a result of starting this war, about 3,000 civilians fled to save themselves.

The rebels previously managed to capture Myawaddy City, a trading center on the Myanmar side of the border, on April 11. It is a blow to a military struggling to govern and facing a test of credibility on the battlefield.

Launch ReutersWitnesses on the Thai-Myanmar border reported hearing explosions and heavy machine gun fire near a strategic bridge from Friday night into Saturday.

Broadcasting Authority of Thailand, NBTin a post on it

At the same time, MRTV Myanmar’s state news broadcaster said in its evening news that ethnic minority militias and rebels had used heavy shelling and bombing to attack junta forces.

Therefore, government forces responded with airstrikes to try to maintain stability. They said that the rebels withdrew after receiving defeat.

Even though, Reuters It was not immediately possible to confirm reports of the fight.

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, said that his party was closely monitoring the situation. He also said Thailand was ready to provide humanitarian aid if needed.

According to data collected by the Thai military and provincial government, 3,027 people had crossed the border on Saturday to seek temporary shelter in the town of Mae Sot.

Srettha said that he had instructed all the Thai institutions to prepare for all situations and that he would visit the border area on Tuesday.

“I do not want to see such a conflict affect the territorial integrity of Thailand and we are ready to protect our borders and the safety of our people,” he said in X.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said they hoped the situation would return to normal soon and had urged the Myanmar government to ensure that fighting does not spread to the border.

“We have told the Myanmar embassy in Thailand that Myanmar should be careful not to violate Thai territory and airspace and affect the safety of people at the border,” said spokesman Nikorndej Balankura.

(tim/dmi)