Myanmar army air raids on Karen force 3,000 to flee for Thailand

Aerial assault comes after group controlling southeastern state condemned February 1 coup and announced support for public resistance.

Some 3,000 people from Myanmar’s southeastern Karen state have fled to neighbouring Thailand following air attacks by the army on an area held by an ethnic armed group, according to activists and local media reports. The military launched air raids on five areas in Mutraw district near the border, including a displacement camp, the Karen Women’s Organization said on Sunday. “At the moment, villagers are hiding in the jungle as more than 3,000 crossed to Thailand to take refuge,” a statement from the group said.