Thousands flee air strikes and shelling as fighting erupts in Myanmar

Myanmar citizens living in India hold placards as they attend a protest, organised by pro-democracy supporters, against the military coup in Myanmar and demanding recognition of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, in New Delhi, India, on February 22, 2022. - Reuters

YANGON, Feb 24 (Reuters): Myanmar's military deployed ground troops and launched air and artillery strikes against rebel forces in the country's east, witnesses, local media and an aid group said on Thursday night (Feb 24), prompting thousands of people to flee.

Bombardments were carried out for a second day in Nan Mei Khon village in Kayah, a state bordering Thailand where soldiers have met months of resistance from the Karenni National Defence Force (KNDF), one of several militia groups that is challenging the junta's rule.