The ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Karen State, also known as Kayin State, has seen significant shifts in 2025. Following the 2021 coup, Ethnic Armed Groups have intensified their struggle against the ruling military junta, the State Administration Council (SAC), for greater autonomy and self-determination. This War for control has been particularly acute along the border with Thailand, where the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), has been systematically retaking key border crossings, outposts, and military bases.
A major strategic victory for the KNLA came on May 28, 2025, with the capture of a crucial hilltop SAC military base. This highly-contested post had been a stronghold for the junta, allowing them to control a significant area and disrupt the movements of the Karen ethnic minority. The assault on the Hilltop Base was a culmination of a determined offensive by the KNLA and allied resistance forces. The fall of this position is not just a symbolic win; it has tangible consequences for the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The conflict has resulted in widespread human rights abuses and a dire humanitarian crisis, with countless civilians being displaced from their homes. People have been forced to flee indiscriminate airstrikes and shelling, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters and IDP camps. One such camp is the Kanele Htaw IDP Camp, which has seen its population swell as families and individuals seek safety from the War. The fear and instability have prevented many from returning to their villages and rebuilding their lives.
However, the recent military successes of the KNLA have opened a new chapter of hope. The capture of the Hilltop Base and other outposts has created a safer corridor in the region. The reduction of the junta's presence allows for easier and less risky commute for civilians and aid workers. Most significantly, this shift in control creates a potential pathway for Displaced persons from the Kanele area to finally return to their homes. For those at the Kanele Htaw IDP Camp, this means the possibility of leaving the precarious conditions of displacement behind, rebuilding their communities, and reclaiming a semblance of normalcy in Burma.
The ongoing struggle is a complex and brutal one, but the KNLA's gains in 2025 represent a significant moment in the long-running Conflict. The black and white reality of the situation is that the lives of millions of people in Karen State and beyond hinge on the outcome of these battles. The hope is that these victories, secured by the bravery of the Karen people, will pave the way for lasting peace and a future where the displaced can finally return home.
This former State Administration Council military base, home to 120mm artillery, drone jammers, and snipers, was taken by the KNLA at Kanele on May 28, 2025. Karen State, Myanmar
In Myanmar's Karen State, KNLA soldiers pause in June 2025, amidst intense battles for key border areas.
This former State Administration Council military base, home to 120mm artillery, drone jammers, and snipers, was taken by the KNLA at Kanele on May 28, 2025. Karen State, Myanmar
In Myanmar's Karen State, KNLA soldiers pause in June 2025, amidst intense battles for key border areas.
Karen families, internally displaced by relentless airstrikes and junta attacks, find temporary shelter here in Htaw IDP camp, only a short distance from the village they fled. Kanele, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
Children fetching water in the river, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
Karen displaced families work to establish agriculture on a cleared hillside. Htaw IDP camp in Kanele, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
The KNLA secured approximately 50 prisoners of war after taking the Junta military base at Kanele on May 28, 2025. Karen State, Myanmar
Three days after its capture by the KNLA on May 28, 2025, smoke still rises from the partly destroyed Junta military base at Kanele. Karen State, Myanmar
The KNLA's multi-day battle culminated on May 28, 2025, with the capture of a hilltop Junta base that had controlled the Kanele area. Karen State, Myanmar
KNLA soldiers getting ready to go to the frontline. Kanele zone, Karen State, Myanmar, June 2025
Children from the Karen ethnic minority, Karen State, Myanmar, June 2025
The KNLA's multi-day battle culminated on May 28, 2025, with the capture of a hilltop Junta base that had controlled the Kanele area. Karen State, Myanmar
KNLA soldiers getting ready to go to the frontline. Kanele zone, Karen State, Myanmar, June 2025
On May 28, 2025, the KNLA seized control of a key Junta military base at Kanele, turning the tide in the region. Karen State, Myanmar
These Karen children, having fled violence, now navigate life in an IDP camp. Kanele, Karen State, Myanmar, 2025
A man from the Karen ethnic minority in Myanmar, his face telling a story of resilience. Htee Baw, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
This former State Administration Council military base, home to 120mm artillery, drone jammers, and snipers, was taken by the KNLA at Kanele on May 28, 2025. Karen State, Myanmar
The visible destruction and lingering smoke three days after the KNLA took the Kanele base on May 28, 2025, show the intensity of the fighting. Karen State, Myanmar
Karen families, internally displaced by relentless airstrikes and junta attacks, find temporary shelter here in Htaw IDP camp, only a short distance from the village they fled. Kanele, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
School under contruction, children's education continues here, in a school relocated close to the Thai border to escape airstrikes. Schools and clinics are tragically and systematically targeted by the military regime in revolutionary-controlled territories. Htee Baw Kaw, Karen State, Myanmar, May 2025
In Myanmar's Karen State, KNLA soldiers pause in June 2025, amidst intense battles for key border areas.
The remnants of a Junta military base at Kanele, partly set ablaze and destroyed during its capture by the KNLA on May 28, 2025. Karen State, Myanmar
