Press Statement

IT has been observed that some countries and international organizations issued statements expressing concern with regard to recent clashes in Kayah State. In so doing, some statements are found to be constructive while others are found to have intentions to exert undue political pressure on Myanmar based on information emanating from unverifiable sources, anti-government organizations, media and terrorist groups in Myanmar.

The actual account regarding the clashes that took place in Loikaw, Kayah State on 11 January 2022 has been published in state-owned newspapers. The incident was a raid conducted by the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the People Defence Force (PDF) terrorists taking positions in residential areas — houses, governmental and religious buildings, etc. The terrorists did not allow the innocent local civilians who wished to move to safe places during the incident. Instead, they used the civilians as human shields.

The security forces responded to the terrorists with utmost restraint not to harm innocent civilians. The terrorist groups also launched attacks on Loikaw prison to instigate unrest and disrupt stability in the city. The security forces were compelled to seek aerial and artillery support in countering the terrorists. However, they did not attack innocent civilians. It is learnt that no innocent civilian was injured and some of the buildings in the prison and civilian buildings suffered collateral damages during the attacks.

The acts of taking positions in civilian buildings, using local civilians as human shields and deliberately attacking civilian targets by the KNPP and PDF terrorists can be construed as committing terrorist activities. As such, countries and international organizations should reject and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nay Pyi Taw

Dated. 21 January 2022

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