Anti-regime groups have encircled junta troops attempting to regain control of an intersection linking northern Shan State with Mandalay Region on the Mandalay-Lashio road in northern Shan State, according to sources.
Ohnmathee in Nawnghkio Township is where roads to northern Shan State and Pyin Oo Lwin, Mogoke, Madaya and Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region meet.
Around 100 troops from a base in Wetwun village in Pyin Oo Lwin Township and the Central Command in Mandalay city carried out raids along the road, finally reaching Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)-controlled Kantkaw village, around 5km from the intersection, on October 19, resulting in clashes.
Fighting has been reported since October 22, said a member of Nawnghkio People’s Defense Force (PDF).
The TNLA and allied Mandalay PDF troops withdrew from the village on Sunday after junta troops advanced with air and artillery support, he said.
“TNLA troops withdrew following the air and artillery attacks. They have since encircled Kantkaw village,” he said.
Anti-regime groups still control Bantbwe village between Kantkaw village and the intersection, he said.
Kantkaw village is approximately 25km from Pyin Oo Lwin town.
Mandalay PDF spokesman Ko Osmond said: “Fighting has been reported around Bantbwe and Kantkaw for more than 10 days. Most residents have fled the fighting.”
Junta troops reportedly suffered heavy casualties during the fighting in Kantkaw.
An analyst said: “Kantkaw village is not that important but is near a key location. The TNLA withdrew from Kantkaw in a tactical move and then encircled junta troops. Neither side has yet gained the upper hand.”
The regime used drones to drop 18 bombs on a school and monastery in Kantkaw village on October 22, said the TNLA.
More than 2,000 people from Kantkaw, Bantbwe and neighboring villages have been displaced by the fighting. They are taking shelter in forests and villages far from the fighting.
Pyin Oo Lwin remains peaceful with junta troops conducting security checks.
The TNLA has almost seized Nawnghkio Township with only two artillery battalions in Taung Khan village left to be captured.
Pyin Oo Lwin, home to the military’s academies, is 32km west of Taung Khan and will be vulnerable if the artillery bases fall.
Junta troops are advancing from southern Shan State and Pyin Oo Lwin on Nawnghkio and hampering resistance attacks on Taung Khan, said observers.
