Myanmar regime forces have been carrying out a campaign of arson attacks against villages in southern Tanintharyi Region since a group of forcibly recruited youths escaped junta custody earlier this month, according to resistance sources.
The 27 young men, who had been handed over to regime authorities after being arrested in Thailand while trying to flee conscription, made their escape on September 8 after killing their guards while being transported to a military training centre.
Since then, they have sheltered in territory under the control of Brigade 4 of the Karen National Union (KNU), with some agreeing to join resistance forces fighting the regime.
In response, junta troops have been raiding villages in Palaw Township, where the men escaped, and clashing with anti-regime forces farther south in Myeik and Tanintharyi townships. . .
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