Fighting in the town could intensify as the junta is preparing for defense, following the capture of Lashio-based Infantry Battalion-291 under the northeast command in northern Shan State, said the military source on 6 July.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) attacked the key headquarters of IB-291 based near Nam Pawng village in Lashio on 3 July and captured it on 5 July.
“The defending soldiers at IB-291 withdrew to Lashio. They are preparing to defend Lashio. If they defend in this manner, Lashio will be destroyed,” explained the military source.
Fighting near the town is escalating as the brotherhood alliance intensifies its offensive to approach Lashio. Local residents reported heavy shells landing and exploding in the wards, hitting civilians.
“A heavy shell landed this morning and hit three novices at Seiktathukha monastery in Ward-7. They sustained minor injuries. Residents fear that heavier weapons could land again,” said a local resident.
Although two shells exploded in Ward-10 on the morning of 6 July, no one was injured. Residents near the regional military command should evacuate, an official of the Social Relief Association said.
On 6 July, fighting intensified in the west of Loipyay mountain near Lashio, and gunfire sounds could be heard from the town, local residents said.
A military source said that the brotherhood alliance forces led by the MNDAA launched a 5-front offensive against Lashio and also are attacking IB-68 and LIB-507 near the town.
As of 6 July, at least 13 civilians were killed by heavy weapons in Lashio, and residents are fleeing the town in droves due to reports of evacuation warnings.
A military source confirmed that the families of a minister from the Shan State Administration, as well as the families of the Lashio military commander and deputy commander, fled from Lashio to Nay Pyi Taw by helicopter on 4 July while fighting was raging.
Sent by Shan News