By Poesangle/ MPA
Fierce clashes between the Myanmar military junta and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) continue in Tawng Hkam Village, Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State. Amid the ongoing fighting, the junta launched airstrikes on Nawnghkio Town, a non-combat zone.
Amid fierce fighting in Tawng Hkam, a military jet fighter launched an airstrike on Nawnghkio Town on Thursday night, killing an elderly woman and injuring four others, including a child.
A resident from nearby Ohn Ma Thee Village recounted, “The fighting has been ongoing. I briefly returned to the village on Wednesday, but just 30 minutes after I left, artillery shells struck. Then, on Thursday night, the military bombed Nawnghkio Town, causing casualties.”
Earlier, the military junta and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) held negotiations in Kunming City on Sunday and Monday, mediated by the Chinese government. However, the talks failed to produce a resolution.
Just two days later, on Wednesday, the military launched airstrikes on Nawnghkio Town’s railway station area and general hospital, killing three civilians and injuring four others.
Currently, the junta’s No. (902) Artillery Operations Command along with Artillery Battalions 354, 206, and 406, remains stationed in Tawng Hkam, where they are surrounded by TNLA and its allied forces.
A female resident of Nawnghkio shared, “After the bombing on Wednesday, people became very anxious and rarely went outside. Many relocate at night and return during the day. Some shops have also closed. The military previously bombed Tha Pyay Taung Pagoda Hill on February 6, injuring one person.”
Although TNLA and its allies secured Nawnghkio Town on July 10, 2024, they were unable to seize the military bases in Tawng Hkam Village, leading to continued clashes.
A displaced woman from Nawnghkio explained, “We have been displaced for over eight months and still cannot return home. Our farms have been destroyed. Since I have no permanent job, I work as a daily laborer on other people’s farms.”
In addition, the military carried out airstrikes on Nawnghkio Town in January, killing nine civilians and injuring one.
Since Aug.2024, TNLA and its allied forces have been launching offensives against the military base in Tawng Hkam, but as of Friday, they have yet to capture it.
Editor – Ko San
Translator – Z
