While ceasefire negotiations are taking place in some ethnic areas, attacks continue in Kachin State, Northern Burma. The Burma Army is pressing its attacks in Kachin State with over 100 battalions deployed. There are over 50,000 Kachin people displaced, over 60 Kachin civilians killed and 100 Kachin soldiers killed. Burma Army casualties are unknown, but estimated at 1,000 wounded and killed. Along with the KIO, WPN, Partners and other organizations, the Kachin FBR teams are helping those in need.
There are currently 50,998 displaced people living in 45 temporary camps in the Kachin area. An estimated 10,000 more people are displaced but not in camps - these are either hiding in the forests, staying with family and friends or privately cared for by churches. Most people in conflict areas have already fled, but new displaced people continue to come to the camps; there have been at least 3,000 new IDPs in the month of May.
IRRC has been able to provide rice for all the camps on a day-to-day basis, but with no reserve. There has been a shortage of other foods such as vegetables, oils or proteins, causing a nutritional problem.
There are over 100 Burma Army battalions now in Kachin State - we estimate up to 120 battalions which in the understrength Burma Army system is around 8,000 troops.