During Free Burma Ranger’s Karenni mission (19 January to 1 March 2025), Rangers distributed 1,050 Burmese audio Bibles—MP3 players containing the entire Bible in the local language. These compact, durable devices are uniquely suited to the needs of the people. For soldiers living out of rucksacks or displaced villagers moving frequently, the palm-sized, water-resistant audio Bibles survive the harshest conditions better than traditional paper Bibles. Moreover, these portable devices are highly valued in a region with limited access to technology. The demand for audio Bibles was overwhelming, with teachers, soldiers, and villagers eagerly vying for one. It wasn’t unusual to see groups of village leaders huddled together, listening to Scripture.
At 11:10a.m. on April 19, 2025, a Burma Army jet fighter launched an airstrike on the monastery in Kaw Poe Plen Village, Doo Tha Htu District, Bilin Township. The attack killed three civilians and injured at least eight others. Among those killed was the mother of one of our Rangers, while his father was severely injured in the attack
Those killed were Naw Ma Wyin, the mother of our Ranger; Naw Ma La Myait; and Saw Mg La Pon, a monk. The wounded included Saw Mg Shwe, who suffered severe injuries to his head, back, arm, and leg; he is the father of our Ranger and also lost his wife. Seven other villagers were injured in the strike, including two monks at the monastery. Following the strike, many villagers fled into the jungle in search of safety.
Please pray for the victims, their families, and all those displaced by this terrible ongoing violence.
Those killed were Naw Ma Wyin, the mother of our Ranger; Naw Ma La Myait; and Saw Mg La Pon, a monk. The wounded included Saw Mg Shwe, who suffered severe injuries to his head, back, arm, and leg; he is the father of our Ranger and also lost his wife. Seven other villagers were injured in the strike, including two monks at the monastery. Following the strike, many villagers fled into the jungle in search of safety.
Please pray for the victims, their families, and all those displaced by this terrible ongoing violence.
On the morning of April 15, 2025, at approximately 1150hrs—during the Burmese New Year holidays—the military junta launched an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Kanni Village, Kyondoe Town, Kawkareik Township, Karen State.
At least six civilians were killed, and around 19 others were injured, including monks and other civilians who were gathered in the monastery at the time for religious purposes.
Intentionally targeting religious sites is a war crime under the ICC Rome Statute. Yet the Burma Army continues its campaign of terror, deliberately attacking both churches and monasteries across the country. Hospitals and schools are also targeted. This latest strike, carried out both during their proclaimed ceasefire and a sacred holiday for celebration and reflection, is another brutal reminder of the regime’s ruthlessness and disregard for the lives of their own people.
At least six civilians were killed, and around 19 others were injured, including monks and other civilians who were gathered in the monastery at the time for religious purposes.
Intentionally targeting religious sites is a war crime under the ICC Rome Statute. Yet the Burma Army continues its campaign of terror, deliberately attacking both churches and monasteries across the country. Hospitals and schools are also targeted. This latest strike, carried out both during their proclaimed ceasefire and a sacred holiday for celebration and reflection, is another brutal reminder of the regime’s ruthlessness and disregard for the lives of their own people.
On May 25 at 9:3am, a Burma Army jet dropped a cluster bomb on a wedding ceremony in Kyun Gyi Village.
The bomb landed directly on the celebration, killing 12 people and injuring over 37 others. Among those killed was the bride, 21-year-old Naw K'mwee Paw. Two of the victims were young children, just 4 and 7 years old. The blast also completely destroyed six homes in the village.
What should have been a day of joy turned into a scene of tragedy and devastation. Our Free Burma Rangers teams was on the ground all day, providing medical aid and support to the survivors.
This deliberate targeting of civilians is not just an atrocity—it is a war crime. Please continue to pray for the families affected and for an end to this violence.
The bomb landed directly on the celebration, killing 12 people and injuring over 37 others. Among those killed was the bride, 21-year-old Naw K'mwee Paw. Two of the victims were young children, just 4 and 7 years old. The blast also completely destroyed six homes in the village.
What should have been a day of joy turned into a scene of tragedy and devastation. Our Free Burma Rangers teams was on the ground all day, providing medical aid and support to the survivors.
This deliberate targeting of civilians is not just an atrocity—it is a war crime. Please continue to pray for the families affected and for an end to this violence.