Methawaw clashes have ended: BGF
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War refugees will soon be able to return home in Methawaw, Kayin State, as the Myanmar Border Guard Forces (BGF) and Tatmadaw have taken complete control of the region, where clashes came to an end on September 19, said Major Khin Maung Win from the BGF.
“We took over a key base of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army in Yeikhagon. There was shooting in the morning of September 18 near the base. Today, there is no more fighting in the region. Refugees can even return today,” the major said.
More than 4,000 refugees from 22 villages fled to Myaing Gyi Ngu to escape the fighting that began on September 9 in Methawaw. About 500 refugees reportedly fled across the Thaungyin River to Thailand.
“About 500 refugees fled to Thailand. They’re now returning. About half of them have come back. Myaing Gyi Ngu is now reachable by car,” the major said.
Landmine clearance is under way in the villages around the conflict zone, he said.
The fighting destroyed schools, homes, livestock, plantations and monasteries, the locals said.
