By Ra Wai / MPA

It has been reported that two women were injured after the State Administration Council (SAC) Army shelled and bombed Hsipaw town, located in northern Shan State.

Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced at the night of 18 September that on the evening of 17 September, a shell fired by SAC Army struck the Aukkying ward in Hsipaw town, while bombs dropped by aircrafts of SAC Army exploded in the Watwun Market area in the Pantaintaung (North) ward.

“There have been ongoing battles in Hsipaw for about four or five days now. Each time there is fighting, SAC Army bombs areas where civilians live. Every day, bombs are being dropped only on civilian areas,” said a resistance soldier from Lashio.

At approximately 5:30 PM on 17 September, a shell fired by SAC Army struck the Payagyi Monastery compound in the Aukkyingward, resulting in injuries to Daw Nge, a 60-year-old woman who sustained a wound to her left arm. A vehicle and goods loaded onto it were also destroyed in the ensuing fire, according to the TNLA.

Subsequently, bombs dropped by a Y12 aircraft hit Watwun Market in the Pantaintaung (North) ward, injuring a 14-year-old girl who was selling goods in the market. She sustained a neck injury due to bomb shrapnel.

Later that night, at around 7:00 PM, the SAC Army dropped two bombs from a fighter jet, followed by approximately 60 bombs dropped by a Y12 aircraft at around 7:30 PM. The majority of these bombs landed and exploded in residential areas, according to the TNLA.

“Some residents who had returned to Hsipaw town are now fleeing again to villages outside the town due to fear of further bombings,” he added.

On September 16, the SAC Army dropped more than 50 bombs on Hsipaw town, killing one civilian and injuring another.