Locals report that despite the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)-Kokang capturing the Northeast Command in Lashio, northern Shan State, fighting continues with the remaining military council forces, leading to civilian casualties.
Locals from Lashio said the bodies of those who were killed cannot be retrieved due to the ongoing fighting.
A local from Lashio said: “Unguided rockets are continuously landing in ward-12. Some witnesses saw at least three people being struck by these rockets on the road. They said there was nothing they could do. Aid workers are currently unable to send the injured to hospitals and clinics.”
The MNDAA announced it had taken control of Northeast Command in Lashio on the morning of 25 July.
However, fighting continues in Ward-4, 5, 9 and 12 in Lashio, locals said.
Until the evening of 25 July, there were reports of heavy shell explosions in the wards of the town, according to Lashio locals.
Despite capturing the Northeast command, the MNDAA currently controls approximately 70 percent of the town, the Lashio local said.
A resident of Lashio said, “The Kokang army announced the capture of the Northeast command. However, there are still many forces remaining near the military command. There are many junta forces including logistics and communication units like 61 and 626. They initially seized the military command, which is considered the weakest point.”
As of the evening of 25 July, heavy shells continued to land and explode in the wards of Lashio, making it challenging for humanitarian workers to conduct rescue operations, locals said.
Due to the ongoing fighting between the MNDAA and military council force since early July, locals of Lashio have fled to safer places. Some people remain in the town due to various circumstances.
Sent by NMG
