The Karenni resistance forces currently hold significant portions of Karenni State, which is vital to their struggle against the ruling junta. Their recent engagements, particularly the Battle of Pasaung that began on August 14, have been pivotal in securing their territory. Despite this effort, the junta possesses overwhelming air supremacy, artillery, drones, and mortars, leading to serious casualties among the resistance.
On August 15, the day after the battle, the somber reality of loss was evident as I attended the funerals of Karenni soldiers. The tradition surrounding these funerals is deeply rooted in community, honor, and profound grief. When a soldier falls in battle, his body is washed and returned to his unit where a mass wake is conducted. The deceased soldiers are mourned collectively, and their bodies may eventually be taken to their family homes for a funeral if they are Catholic. This tradition is especially poignant for units that have lost multiple members; in this case, seven soldiers perished in the fight.
The wakes, heavy with sorrow, see the bodies of the fallen laid out, wrapped in blankets, surrounded by offerings and photographs that capture their lives. Each body is marked with a handwritten sign displaying the soldier’s name and unit, reminding those present of the individual lost. As embalmers work quickly to prepare the bodies in view of the mourners, the harshness of war becomes all too real.
The communal aspect of these events is significant. Many of the soldiers hail from the same towns, often making their losses feel personal. The grief felt is not just for fellow fighters but encompasses entire families and communities. Mothers endure a burden like no other: the knowledge that their sons are gone, often communicated through distant means like Starlink, if they have access. Those who fled from government-controlled territories to join the resistance face the additional torment of knowing their bodies cannot be returned home due to the repercussions their families might face under the regime.
One soldier, Gianni, who was only 20, exemplified bravery. Despite being injured in a prior attempt to retake Pasaung, he returned to fight and ultimately died in battle. At his wake, his cousin, a deacon about to be ordained as a priest, gave a heartfelt reflection on family ties and sacrifice. Gianni was remembered with a heroic image, and his body was laid beside personal items, including his military gear and favorite snacks—all symbols of a life that was cut short far too soon.
During the emotional funeral mass, the priest drew parallels between the suffering endured by the Karenni people and the biblical story of Job—a testament to unwavering faith in the face of adversity. He reminded the congregation of the sacrifice made by soldiers like Gianni, invoking John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
While society often views the trauma of soldiers through the lens of the acts they commit in battle, the unending pain of losing innocents weighs heavier. Medics witness the tragic aftermath of each injury, and priests are left to conduct burials for children they have baptized. The relentless news of casualties can trouble even the strongest hearts, leading to widespread trauma across all layers of society. The effects ripple through families, each member carrying their own burden of grief.
The resistance also faces logistical challenges, struggling with significant shortages of basic equipment such as vests and helmets. Many soldiers find themselves without weapons—some reported having only three bullets to their name. The casualties from the recent battles predominantly stem from airstrikes and artillery, indicating that the resistance often fights without the opportunity to engage directly.
The complexities of international dynamics significantly impact the ongoing conflict. The junta’s ability to acquire advanced weaponry from nations like China and Russia stands in stark contrast to the legal hurdles faced by the resistance. For them, even minor attempts to smuggle supplies can lead to severe penalties. Despite international condemnation and sanctions, the structure of international law tends to favor the regime, leaving the resistance at a disadvantage with outdated or makeshift weaponry.
For over 80 years, the resistance has persisted against overwhelming odds. Their determination endures in the face of adversity, although the cost has been profound. The possibility for peace seems distant without concerted efforts from the international community to mitigate the junta’s supply lines. The war continues to extract a devastating toll, and without intervention, the cycle of loss will likely persist indefinitely.
As I report from the frontlines in Burma via Starlink, the stories of sacrifice and sorrow resonate, revealing a relentless struggle for dignity and freedom amid grave circumstances. The spirit of the Karenni people remains unbroken, yet the bloodshed will write the history of this ongoing conflict, echoing through generations to come.
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