Residents say Myanmar regime troops entered the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)-controlled town of Hsipaw in northern Shan State on Wednesday, though the ethnic army denied the claims.
Hsipaw is located between Kyaukme, recently recaptured by the junta, and Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, which the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a TNLA ally, handed back to the junta under Chinese pressure in April.
Capturing the town would give the junta control over the Nawnghkio-Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Lashio stretch of the Mandalay-Muse highway, a vital trade route with China.
The TNLA and its allies seized Hsipaw on August 12 last year during phase two of Operation 1027.
On Monday, junta forces had advanced to Bawgyo village, 4 kilometers from Hsipaw. On Wednesday morning, they bombed the entrance to the town.
“We can say the regime has now reached the town,” a Hsipaw resident said.
Pro-regime social media accounts claim that junta forces entered the town from the southwest and east.
However, the TNLA’s political wing disputed the reports.
“Junta forces are attempting to enter the town but have not been successful,” a spokesperson for the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)’s Ta’ang Land Council TLC told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday evening.
The Irrawaddy reached out to TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo for comment but received no response.
Thousands of residents have fled the junta’s counteroffensive in northern Shan.
“Around 4,000 residents have been displaced across four towns and villages,” a volunteer helping the displaced said.
Residents have fled Kyaukme, Hsipaw, and Namtu towns, as well as Nawngping village, since the regime began attacking Kyaukme with troops and airstrikes on Aug. 19.
Social media campaigns have been launched to raise funds for shelter, food and medical care for people displaced in northern Shan State.
During Operation 1027, the TNLA captured a dozen towns in northern Shan State, as well as the ruby-mining hub of Mogoke in neighboring Mandalay Region.
After recapturing Nawnghkio on July 15 and Kyaukme on October 2, junta troops are now attempting to reclaim Mogoke but are facing fierce resistance from TNLA and allied groups.
Junta airstrikes on TNLA-held towns this month have killed over 40 civilians and wounded 46, the TNLA said.
