Fighting continues to intensify in Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State, even during the current ceasefire period, according to the information officer of the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA).
Lway Yay Oo, the PSLF/TNLA’s information officer, said: “Clashes aren’t taking place daily but every other day. Currently, as part of their military strategy, the miliary junta is launching offensives, and we are fighting back.”
The PSLF/TNLA’s information officer made these remarks regarding the fighting in Nawnghkio during an online press conference held on 5 June, where political and military developments in the Ta’ang region in May and the present were discussed.
Both the junta and the TNLA had extended the ceasefire period until the end of June to facilitate earthquake recovery efforts.
However, Lway Yay Oo reported that in Naungcho’s Taung Kham village, the junta troops have been reinforcing their forces, launching offensives, firing artillery, conducting airstrikes, and even using chemical bombs.
Lway Yay Oo warned that while the TNLA can militarily contain the junta’s offensive in Nawnghkio Township, the public needs to stay vigilant for their safety.
“The public needs to be especially careful about security. Militarily, there’s no need to worry. Both sides are simply acting based on military strategy,” she said.
In addition to the junta’s offensives and airstrikes, increasing blockades due to pressure from China are causing shortages of commodities and soaring prices for local residents.
The TNLA announced that the junta and the TNLA will meet again at the end of August, facilitated by the Chinese government, and their primary demand will be to resolve the current hardships faced by the public.
A TNLA official stated that they will continue to hold meetings with the military council, mediated by China, and at these meetings, they will persist in demanding an end to airstrikes and artillery attacks on civilians.
During the last round of talks in Kunming, China, in the last week of April, the military council demanded that the TNLA return Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok, and Moemeik Townships, which are currently under TNLA control. The TNLA refused, leading to the collapse of the talks.
Following those talks, the TNLA reported that the junta conducted over 1,000 drone, artillery, and airstrikes in TNLA-controlled territories.
Due to the junta’s offensive, fighting intensified in Nawnghkio Township in May, the junta reportedly carrying out 12 airstrikes, firing 776 artillery shells, dropping 329 drone bombs, and 144 chemical bombs.
The TNLA released a statement on 4 June, claiming that these attacks resulted in the deaths of six innocent civilians, injuries to 14 others, and damage to eight homes due to shrapnel.
Sent by NMG.