Three civilians were killed in the heavy shelling on 6 July, amidst escalating clashes between military council force and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Mongmit Township in northern Shan State, according to local residents.
The heavy shelling also destoryed the houses in Let Khoke Pin (north) ward, locals said.
A local said, ÒFrom yesterday evening (8 July) until late last night, constant sounds of gunshots and artillery fire have been heard in Tha Yet Taw. In recent days, two people were killed in Let Khoke Pin, and three in a northern village.”
Those killed by the shelling include a 15-year-old boy and a 65-year-old man from Let Khoke Pin village and a 55-year-old man from the north ward , local residents said.
At around 3 pm on 8 July, fighting occurred between the military council troops and the TNLA near Thayettaw village in Mongmit. The TNLA released the statement about the clash on 8 July.
Currently, Mongmit is facing phone blackouts and a lack of inflow of goods. Ten of thousands of locals have fled to safer places. Detailed information about the displaced remains unknown due to communication difficulties.
“Locals have fled to lower villages. They flee to the southern area when the area is safe. Our town will be destroyed. The base camp is loacted about two miles from the town. They haven’t attacked the base camp. Our town will face total destruction because the fighting is centered within its borders,” a local said.
The military council force is conducting major military operations near Let Khoke Tan, Shwe Zar Li and Mongmit bridge, using both ground troops and airstrikes.
Since 29 June, fighting has resumed between the military council troops and the TNLA in Mongmit Towmship, marking the secound round of Operation 1027.
The TNLA announced on 8 July that it had taken complete control of the camps in Let Khoke Tan and Lelgyi villages following the fighting in Mongmit on the evening of 7 July.
Sent by KNG