"In April 2006, State Peace & Development Council (SPDC) Army units in Papun district of northern Karen State began attacking civilian villages, leading to fears that the offensive in neighbouring Toungoo and Nyaunglebin districts was likely to expand. On May 16th KHRG reported the arrival of seven new SPDC battalions in Papun district, bringing the number of battalions in the district to at least 27,[1] and predicted an imminent wave of new attacks against villages (see Villagers displaced as SPDC offensive expands into Papun district, 16/5/06). In the past week these troops have begun to move and to attack villages. A KHRG researcher in the district reports that at present three SPDC columns are sweeping in three directions throughout the northern half of the district, burning houses and destroying food supplies. More troops are expected to arrive soon to extend these attacks further, and the offensive is now almost certain to continue through the rainy season..."