Karen conflict

Karen conflict
	Part of the internal conflict in Myanmar
	; A KNLA medic treats IDPs in Hpapun District, Kayin State.
Date	31 January 1949 – present; (76 years, 4 months, 2 weeks and 5 days)
Location	Kayin State, Myanmar (primarily)
Status	Ongoing
Belligerents
Myanmar Tatmadaw Myanmar Army Southeastern Command; ; ; Karen National Army Former: Union of Burma (1948–1962) ; Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1962–1988) ; Union of Myanmar (1988–2011) ; Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (1994–2009) ; Karen Border Guard Force (2009–2024) ;	Karen National Union Karen National Defence Organisation; Karen National Liberation Army; All Burma Students' Democratic Front; DKBA-5; KNU/KNLA Peace Council; Former: God's Army (1997–2006) ;
Commanders and leaders
Min Aung Hlaing; Soe Win; Mya Tun Oo; Saw Chit Thu; Former: Sao Shwe Thaik (1948–1952) ; U Nu (1948–1962) ; Ba U (1952–1957) ; Win Maung (1957–1962) ; Ne Win (1962–1988) ; San Yu (1981–1988) ; Saw Maung (1988–1992) ; Than Shwe (1992–2011) ; U Thuzana (1994–2010) ; Wai Lwin (2011–2015) ; Thein Sein (2011–2016) ; Sein Win (2015–2021) ; Htin Kyaw (2016–2018) ; Aung San Suu Kyi (2016–2021) ; Win Myint (2018–2021) ;	Saw Mutu Say Poe (since 2008); Saw Tamlabaw (2000–2008); Bo Mya (1976–2000); Saw Ba U Gyi † (1949–1950); Saw Mo Shay; Bo Nat Khann Mway (1994–2016);
Strength
43,000 (1951) 30,000	4,000+ (1951) 6,000–7,000; 1,500
Casualties and losses
	Since 1989:; 4,600+ killed; 200,000 civilians displaced; Total:; 50,000+ killed

The Karen conflict is an armed conflict in Kayin State, Myanmar (formerly known as Karen State, Burma). It is part of the wider internal conflict in Myanmar between the military government and various minority groups. Karen nationalists have been fighting for an independent state, known as Kawthoolei, since 1949. The Karen National Union (KNU) and its Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) are the most prominent Karen rebel groups. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the conflict, many of whom fled to neighbouring Thailand and survive in refugee camps.

Tensions between the Karen and the Bamar ethnic majority in Myanmar have existed since the British colonial era, based on the British 'direct and indirect rule' policy and Karen soldiers' roles in putting down Burmese rebellions in the late 19th century. Around the time of Burmese independence, the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) was formed as an armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU) to put down a communist rebellion. After the Burmese government settled for peace and allowed communist back into national politics, a series of tensions, escalations and battles led to the KNU declaring formally war on the Burmese government on 31 January 1949.