The Burmese military has launched airstrikes against rebels from two ethnic groups, the Kachin and Karen, who have been seeking greater autonomy for decades. At least 2,000 Burmese refugees have already crossed into Thailand seeking safety. This comes days after Karen rebels seized a Burmese military base near the Thai border. Meanwhile, protests against the Burmese military junta continue. Over 750 protesters have been killed since the junta seized power in February.