Local sources report that there have been civilian casualties in Nawnghkio town in Shan State due to ongoing airstrikes by the military junta since 19 September.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said on 22 September that four civilians were injured in military’s airstrikes on residential areas, the town’s market and near a school in Nawnghkio.
A woman from Nawnghkio said: “They are bombing the town, near schools and markets. Houses have also been hit. The TNLA flag is flying near the EPC office and the police station. The market area has already been hit three times. People who had returned after fleeing the fighting are now leaving the town again”
After the capture of the junta’s remaining Artillery Battalion 606 in Nawnghkio by the TNLA on 10 July and taking control of the entire town, the displaced people had started to return home. However, they are now on the run again due to the military’s airstrikes.
On 21 and 22 September, the military reportedly used 500-pound bombs to attack the town’s market, Basic Education High School No. 1, warehouses near the night market and Tha Hpan Kaing village in Nawnghkio, according to locals.
At least four civilians were injured in Nawnghkio during the two days of airstrikes. Civilians’ houses and shops were also damaged, leading people to fear air strikes.
A local woman from Nawnghkio added: “People near the old office building are afraid to sleep at night. They are looking for safer places to stay. We don’t want soldiers to mingle with the civilian population. We wish they could stay far away, but no one dares to say that. Everyone is afraid now. The TNLA patrols at night and controls vehicle movements”
According to a TNLA statement, 15 civilians (including two children) were killed and 13 others injured in Nawnghkio Township in daily airstrikes and artillery attacks by the military council, including 500-pound bombs. Nearly 30 civilian houses, two monasteries and a school were destroyed.
The military stepped up bombing attacks on Lashio and Nawnghkio, which are under the control of the Three Brothers Alliance (3BHA), after junta chief Min Aung Hlaing announced counter-offensives to retake lost territory during his tour of southern Shan State in early September.
The 3BHA has urged the public to be wary of the threat of airstrikes and to keep a close eye on the military council’s actions.
On 6 August, the military alliance called on the international community, and China in particular, to intervene and stop the military council’s airstrikes on areas under their control where there was no active fighting.
However, the junta continues to carry out airstrikes on areas controlled by the 3BHA. On 10 September, the alliance issued a statement accusing the military council of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through these continuous attacks.
Sent by Shan News.