Three locals were reportedly killed and at least six more were injured on Monday amid clashes between the Burmese Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army in northern Shan State’s Kyaukme township.
Sai Tun Nyan, a Shan Nationalities League for Democracy MP representing the township in the Shan State legislature, told DVB the Burmese Army was directing heavy artillery fire and air strikes at a TNLA position atop Loi Yen Hill when the village of Nyaungmong was hit by a barrage.
“The Burmese Army and TNLA clashed on [Monday] — the Burmese ground forces were unable to advance on a TNLA position up on Loi Yen Hill and two planes showed up around 4pm and began attacking from the air,” said Sai Tun Nyan.
“Some residences and monasteries were destroyed. Thirteen shells landed on the house of Lon Seitta — both him, his son and a grandson were killed and two other family members were injured.”
The Kyaukme MP said at least six other villagers, including three Buddhist monks, were injured in the bombardment. While the hostilities abated on Tuesday, local villagers began evacuating the area out of fear for their safety, with local charity groups providing them transportation.
[related]
Sai Tun Nyan said the ongoing fighting in the area is hindering regional development, with the lawmaker calling for an end to hostilities.
Renewed fighting between the TNLA and the Restoration Council of Shan State has also plagued the state’s north this month. The latter is a signatory to the nationwide ceasefire agreement and the two armies first came to blows in November 2015, weeks after the accord was inked.
