At least 39 civilians have been killed during two weeks of fighting in Lashio Township, northern Shan State, according to Shan civil society organizations.
The conflict reignited between the junta and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Lashio on July 3.
Lashio is home to the regime’s Northeastern Command and regime airstrikes have displaced tens of thousands of township residents.
A Lashio organization member said: “Most of the casualties were caused by the shelling of civilian areas. It is challenging to determine which side fired each shell. Junta airstrikes have also caused casualties.”
From July 3-17, at least 30 people were injured in Lashio Township, according to a network of Shan groups.
On Wednesday, a regime shell killed three family members in Lashio, according to the TNLA.
The TNLA said on Wednesday that at least 76 civilians had been killed and 112 others were injured by junta shelling and airstrikes since June 25 in Lashio, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mongmit and Nawnghkio townships in northern Shan State.
The offensive by the Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army, marks the revival of Operation 1027. It began on October 27 last year and resumed last month after the collapse of a Chinese-brokered ceasefire agreed in January.
The alliance seized hundreds of junta bases, command centers and 24 battalion headquarters, around 20 towns and trade routes with China during the first phase of fighting.
The TNLA In early June said the junta was repeatedly bombarding its territory and attacked the regime before the MNDAA on June 25.
