Burmese Military Airstrike Kills Karenni Christian Youth Leader; BRI Urges Trump to Protect Persecuted Christians in Burma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — On June 4, 2026, at around 6:00 p.m. Burma Time, the Burmese military carried out airstrikes on villages in Deemaw Soe Township, Karenni (Kayah) State, Burma. The attack on Htee Hla Thoo Village killed Hsar Eh Klu, a Baptist pastor and youth leader, and left civilians injured and homes destroyed.

On June 5, 2026, Khit Thit Media reported the attack. The Kayah Baptist Association (KBA) Youth Department issued a formal statement of deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Pastor Hsar Eh Klu.

The Burma Research Institute (BRI) confirmed the incident through source on the ground. Airstrikes targeting civilians, including Christians, have escalated since coup leader Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself President of Burma in April 2026.

“Burma has been designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 every year since 1999. Yet after 24 consecutive years of CPC status, no meaningful action has been taken against the military,” said BRI President and CEO Zo Tum Hmung. “We urge the Trump Administration to act now to protect persecuted Christians in Burma.”

In January 2026, BRI released Burma: Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Against Christians, documenting atrocities against Christian communities across Burma, including in Karenni State.

BRI calls on the Trump Administration to act on its mandate under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to protect persecuted Christians in Burma.

Photos: Karenni Human Rights Organization

Additional Sources:

• BRI Press Release: Burma Research Institute Releases New Report Documenting Severe Violations of Religious Freedom Against Christians in Burma
  (https://burmari.org/2026/02/01/burma-research-institute-releases-new-reportdocumenting-severe-violations-of-religious-freedom-against-christians-in-burma/).
• Letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  (https://burmari.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Letter-to-Secretary-Rubio-March-232026.pdf)
• Response Letter from a Senior State Department Official on Behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  (https://burmari.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/State-Department-Response-–-March23-2026-Letter.pdf). XXX

The Burma Research Institute (BRI), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Ellicott City, Maryland, in the United States. It conducts research and advocacy primarily focused on freedom of religion or belief in Burma, and advocates for human rights and protection and assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons from Burma. BRI also empowers the local Chin community in Maryland and across the United States to successfully integrate into American society. (www.burmari.org).