By Ra Wai, MPA
The State Administration Council (SAC) Army have dropped more than 50 bombs on Hsibaw, a town controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), resulting in the death of one civilian and injuries to one another, according to reports.
TNLA announced that the airstrikes, conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on September 16, were carried out by Y12 military aircraft. Bombs were dropped in the western ward of the town and inside the Sinmala public park, causing significant damage to civilian houses in addition to the casulties.
“According to the today’s news that I received, the airstrikes were a response to ongoing clashes between TNLA forces and SAC Army’s no.23 Light Infantry Battalion stationed in Thibaw. SAC Army began bombing the town after TNLA launched an attack on no.23 Light Infantry Battalion. This has been happening since September 14. SAC Army is using air support and indiscriminately targeting civilians with bombs,” the resistance fighter based in Lashio told MPA.
On the evening of September 15, around 9:00 p.m., SAC forces also shelled the town using heavy artillery, which resulted in the destruction of a house in Zat Su ward, after it caught fire and was completely destroyed.
“We expect that the fighting will intensify tomorrow near no.23 Light Infantry Battalion ,” the resistance fighter added.
TNLA and its allied forces have taken control of Thibaw, but several military outposts, including no.23 Light Infantry Battalion and no. 503 and 504 Infantry Battalions are still left to be captured in the area.
The TNLA also announced that many civilians have been killed or injured as a result of the airstrikes of SAC Army, which have targeted not only houses but also monasteries, schools, and other religious buildings.
