Due to the road blockages caused by the one-week-long fighting between the military council and People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Htigyaing in the upper Sagaing Region, some upper regions are facing a shortage of edible oil and some foodstuff, according to locals.
“I couldn’t even buy betel leaves. Onions and beans can’t be found anywhere,” a local from Indaw said on 12 November.
There is a shortage of fuel in many cities, including Myitkyina as fuel trucks are also stuck.
Since 8 November, a combined force of Kachin Independenece Army (KIA) and the PDF has been attacking the military council’s outposts in Htigyaing.
Mandalay-Htigyaing road section is an important road for upper Myanmar on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. After the emergence of the Spring Revolution in Sagaing Region, the Shwebo-Myitkyina road was less used for travel and goods transportation. Now the Mandalay-Htigyaing-Myitkyina road section is mainly used.
Due to the ongoing fighting in Htigyaing, thousands of locals have fled to safer places.
Due to the fighting, locals from Kukkokone, Thayethmaw, Padaukhla, Myataung and Phonekonelay have fled to the monasteries in Maungkone village and Taetaw and Takhwatchaung villages, locals said.
On 13 November, the fighting was stable and the expansion of military forces between the two armies continued, locals said.
Due to the ongoing fighting in Htigyaing, Mandalay-Htigyaing-Myitkyina road section and Mandalay-Bhamo road section remain closed. Many passenger buses and trucks are still stuck, according to local drivers.
Sent Say Kaung Kham (Shanni Voice)
