Скачать или смотреть THAILAND/BURMA: ETHNIC KAREN REFUGEES TRAPPED INSIDE BURMA

(17 Feb 1997) Natural Sound

Thousands of ethnic Karen refugees were trapped inside Burma, Sunday, unable to flee to Thailand because of sporadic fighting between Burmese troops and Karen rebels.

Aid workers reported that up to 20-thousand refugees had either crossed into Thailand or were desperately trying to escape after Burma's military government launched a major offensive against the rebels last week.

These Karen refugees trapped just inside Burma are trying to join other refugees who have already fled to Thailand.

The exodus took place after Burma's military government attacked and captured a Karen rebel base on Thursday.

An estimated 5-thousand government troops captured Teakaplaw, the headquarters of the rebel Karen National Union.

Karen guerrillas, sensing defeat , abandoned the base after setting it alight.

As a result, thousands of Karen refugees fled but are having trouble crossing the borders because of sporadic fighting between Burmese troops and Karen rebels.

Instead they are in makeshift camps like this one in Umphang, southeast on the border with Burma.

With all the belongings they can carry, they have set up home here, but their final destination will be Thailand.

There are currently nearly 90-thousand Karen and other ethnic refugees who have lived in camps along the Thai border for years.

Thailand allows refugees entry if they are not armed.

The Karens have battled the central Burmese government in Rangoon for more autonomy for half a century.

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