Fighting between the military council and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has escalated in Nawnghkio, in northern Shan State, according to the Information Department of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF/TNLA).
During Operation 1027, the military council lost control of the entire northern Shan State. In response, it has launched a new offensive in the region during the dry season.
According to a statement from the PSLF/TNLA, intense fighting erupted on 13 November between the military council and the TNLA at the monastery and the No. 354 Artillery Base in Tawnghkam village, Nawnghkio.
A displaced man from Nawnghkio said: “The fighting is extremely intense right now in Tawnghkam and Ohnmathee. No one dares to go, and no one is allowed to go. The military council has locked the gates. They’re using drones for surveillance—if they spot people, they shoot. If not, they don’t fire.”
Most of the displaced people from Nawnghkio are struggling with a lack of shelter and food, according to the IDP. Many are forced to survive by working as day laborers to meet their daily needs.
A displaced man said: “It’s the paddy and corn harvest season now, but we don’t dare go there to harvest. We’re afraid because the junta frequently bombs with jet fighters. The situation is completely different from the past. It’s become much harder for us.”
On 13 November, the military council dropped bombs on Magyiyae village in Nawnghkio, where fighting is ongoing, using jet fighters. However, there were no reports of casualties.
In the afternoon of 12 November, the military council carried out an aerial bombing on the Lan San tea shop in the center of Nawnghkio, killing 11 civilians and injuring many others.
Clashes erupted as the military council which is attempting to reinforce Nawnghkio via Kyaukgu in Lawksawk Township, southern Shan State, launched an offensive, according to the PSLF/TNLA’s information department.
Sent by Shan News