Tens of thousands of residents have fled Lashio amid intense fighting in and around the northern Shan State capital, according to residents and volunteers assisting displaced people.
Heavy fighting has erupted in northern Shan’s Lashio, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mongmit and Nawnghkio and Mogok Township in Mandalay Region over the past two days, forcing civilians out of their homes.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and allies seized Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 507 headquarters based in Lashio’s Nampawng village at around 7 pm on Sunday.
Residents reported that junta fighter jets dropped bombs in and around the area on Monday morning as heavy clashes continued at the base and in two neighboring residential wards. Regime propaganda channels claim junta troops have regained control of LIB 507 HQ, but this has not been confirmed by the MNDAA.
“The situation in Lashio is terrifying. Clashes continue to escalate or erupt in various areas of the town,” said resident U Tin Naing.
He is one of tens of thousands who have fled the township, many now stranded on roads connecting Lashio to neighboring townships.
While Tin Naing and his family head to stay with relatives in Mandalay, others are seeking shelter with friends or family in Muse and other northern and eastern parts of the state.
Fighting broke out in Lashio Township last Tuesday night when the ethnic Brotherhood Alliance of the MNDAA, Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army launched simultaneous attacks on regime bases around the northern Shan capital, where the headquarters of Northeastern Military Command is based.
The MNDAA and allies seized LIB 291 headquarters in the south of Lashio Township on Saturday after junta troops fled the base for the town on Friday night.
The Brotherhood Alliance launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State in October last year, swiftly capturing 24 battalion headquarters, hundreds of frontline bases, around 20 towns, and vital trade routes with China. Fighting was suspended after a ceasefire was brokered by Beijing on Jan. 10.
The MNDAA resumed its offensive against Lashio after the TNLA restarted operations on June 15, complaining the junta was violating the ceasefire by repeatedly bombing territory it controlled.
The TNLA calls this latest offensive “Operation 1027: Phase 2” and is battling junta troops in four northern Shan State townships, as well as Mogok Township in Mandalay Region, alongside the People’s Defense Force of the civilian National Unity Government.
49 civilians killed, 35,000 homeless
Junta air and artillery strikes have killed at least 49 people in the 13 days since fighting resumed in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mongmit and Nawnghkio, and Mogkok, the TNLA stated.
“The junta has been bombing civilian areas in these townships daily and civilian causalities are mounting,” said TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo.
The indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas have forced over 35,000 residents in the five townships to abandon their homes, she added.
