19 May 2023

Moe Bye, a strategically important town located near the Shan/Kayah border, has been a hotspot for clashes. These clashes leave religious buildings and civilian property destroyed, thousands displaced and many casualties in the wake of a month of violence in Moe Bye town in Pekon Township, on the border of Shan state and Kayah state. These clashes occurred in the town and along the Shan-Kayah border between 23 May and 30 June 2023. Since the military coup, Kayah (Karenni) state has increasingly turned from peaceful protests to armed resistance against SAC rule. According to reports, 26 civilians were killed, including two children and the Myanmar military used heavy weapons and airstrikes. Myanmar Witness found evidence of 120mm mortar rounds commonly used by the SAC and geolocated a military base within range. Myanmar Witness also identified a K-8 fighter jet and footage consistent with reports of the use of cluster munitions.