Intense fighting is continuing between the junta forces and the joint forces of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in artillery battalion areas located in Taung Hkam, Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State, with the junta reportedly reinforcing its troops, according to military sources.
Although the military council declared a 20-day ceasefire from 2 to 22 April, it is reportedly continuing to send reinforcements and launch offensives against the TNLA and resistance forces in Taung Hkam, Nawnghkio Township, according to a source close to the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA).
He also said that the military council has been escalating its offensive operations, with aerial strikes becoming more frequent in recent days.
“The fighting remains intense to this day, with ongoing ground offensives and frequent aerial bombings,” said a source close to the DPLA. “Despite the announced ceasefire, the junta continues to carry out airstrikes. The clashes are still ongoing.”
The military council has set up the headquarters of its artillery battalion command in Taung Hkam, Nawnghkio Township.
According to a source close to the DPLA, the ongoing clashes are largely due to junta troops—previously defeated in northern Shan State—now regrouping and launching offensives in the Taung Hkam area.
A source close to the DPLA reported that numerous junta military battalions are stationed in Taung Hkam, Nawnghkio Township, which functions as their command headquarters.
He noted that many junta troops who were previously defeated in northern Shan State have regrouped in the Taung Hkam area and are actively carrying out offensive operations, resulting in ongoing and prolonged clashes.
According to a statement released by the TNLA, junta forces conducted aerial bombings on Mogok and Nawnghkio Townships—areas under TNLA control—despite the officially declared ceasefire.
A man close to the DPLA stated that the MNDAA is reportedly planning to withdraw and return control of Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, to the junta by 17 April due to pressure from China.
This move could have significant impacts on the TNLA and allied resistance forces that currently control Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, and Hsipaw.
“As Lashio is going to be handed over to the junta, it could have various impacts on our resistance forces. However, we are not overly concerned about it. We have made a lot of preparations. Preparations have also been made for political changes. We will continue to implement and work towards our goals as planned,” he continued.
According to a statement released by the TNLA, junta forces dropped three chemical gas bombs on 5 April at around 2:00 PM during ongoing clashes near Battalion-902, located in Taung Hkam village, Nawnghkio Township.
On the other hand, as a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March, junta forces carried out an airstrike using a jet fighter on Naung Lin village in Nawnghkio Township.
The attack resulted in the deaths of six female soldiers and one male soldier from the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA).
Six female soldiers and one male soldier were killed instantly when bombs dropped by a junta fighter jet hit the bunker where they had taken shelter during the airstrike.
Sent by Shan News
