By Poe Sangle / MPA
Medical supplies are in urgent need for treating the injured due to airstrikes and artillery shelling during the battles in Hsipaw, Shan State, and the remaining residents in town, according to local sources.
Between August 9, 2024, and August 20, airstrikes and artillery firings from the military council resulted in 20 deaths and around 50 injuries.
During this period of conflict, the Borderless charity organization has been providing free medical services to the injured and residents by opening a clinic, according to locals.
As the fighting in Hsipaw prolongs for several days, the medical supplies collected before the conflict are now running low, leaving the locals and charity organizations facing shortages.
“In Hsipaw, the charity groups are providing treatment at their clinics. Right now, they are doing everything they can for the patients, including providing shelter and medical care. But they’ve mentioned that more medicine is needed, as they are unsure of how the fighting will unfold,” said a man who fled Hsipaw.
In addition, Borderless Charity Group has been providing healthcare to around 400 ill locals and more than 40 pregnant women who were unable to flee the fighting in Hsipaw. The group also helped 10 pregnant women deliver babies, according to their report.
On August 19, the military council conducted airstrikes on Hsipaw, where intense fighting continued, resulting in injuries to an elderly woman from Naung Mon Village and the destruction of four houses. Furthermore, artillery shelling by the 23 Infantry Battalion hit the AAA fuel depot in Kyauksu Ward, causing explosions that damaged at least five houses in fire, according to a resident.
“Yesterday, airstrikes and artillery fire destroyed nearly 10 houses. The condition of the injured elderly woman from Naung Mon is yet unknown. Even though the battle has calmed down, the military frequently shells with artillery, and today aircraft are still overflying,” the resident said.
More than 30 houses in Hsipaw might have been destroyed by the military’s airstrikes, with the potential for even more damage according to another local.
The intense fighting in Hsipaw has reportedly prompted many locals to flee to nearby villages. Over 600 people have sought refuge in Bawgyo Village, over 100 in Naungkat Village, over 100 in Teinchae Teinsan Village, and over 500 in Naungpain Village in Kyaukme Township. Around 2,000 people have fled to southern Shan State, Yangon, and Mandalay.
“There are about 500 people seeking refuge in Naungpain. Staying here is fine for now, but nothing compares with home. We heard the Kyaukme-Hsipaw road has reopened, but the battles haven’t ended, so we don’t dare to return yet. We just want the fighting to stop quickly so we can go home,” said a man who fled Hsipaw.
On August 10, the Ta’ang Army (TNLA) and allied forces seized control of Hsipaw, rescuing 109 prisoners, according to a TNLA statement.
Currently, the military council’s Infantry Battalion and Battalions 23/503/504 remain in Hsipaw, where the TNLA and allied forces continue to launch attacks.
Despite attempts to contact the TNLA’s Information Department via Signal and Telegram for more details on the Hsipaw conflict and civilian casualties, there has not yet been a response.
