The Myanmar military reportedly attacked a joint force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) with disproportionate air support in Naungcho Township, Kyaukme District, Northern Shan State.
Around 5:30 am on 10 February, the regime launched a massive offensive with air and artillery support on the joint force KIA-PDF near Longhkan village in Hkaynin village tract, Naungcho Township, locals told the Shan Herald.
“The place where the battle took place was only five miles away from Naungcho. The military dropped bombs with three fighter jets. And they kept firing artillery. The dining hall of the monastery in Longhkan village was damaged. The junta dropped more than 30 bombs,” a local told the Shan Herald.
He went on to say that the residents had to take shelter in the monastery of Longhkan village because of the continuous air attack by the military council.
At the time of reporting, tensions between the two sides in the region remained high and the Shan Herald was unable to verify damage and casualties.
“I cann’t say the exact number of displaced people yet. But tensions between the two sides are still high. The military council is still firing artillery,” the local added.
At least 200 junta soldiers were reportedly involved in the fighting and there were an estimated 500 resistance members.
Fighting between regime troops and local People’s Defense Forces last August displaced more than 1,000 people from the villages of Hkaynin, Hohko and Kularkwe.
Despite the one-year ceasefire announced by the Myanmar military for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023, fighting between the two sides continues on the ground.
Sent by the Shan Herald.