The U.S. State Department says it condemns in the strongest possible terms the Burmese government's actions against ethnic minorities, after reports that the military has displaced 11,000 minority civilians.
A spokesman told VOA Thursday that the campaign is another indication of the repressive nature of the military regime. He said the attacks highlight the threat the regime's actions pose to the region.
Wednesday, the Free Burma Rangers, a relief group that works inside the impoverished country, said government attacks against the Karen minority have intensified since March.
The Karen, one of Burma's major ethnic groups, have been fighting for independence for more than 50 years. They have reached a provisional truce with the government, but sporadic fighting continues.