Mai Rupa, Sep 15, Kyaukme
Fighting has intensified between junta troops and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) as the junta’s unit advances on the TNLA-controlled township of Kyaukme in northern Shan State, according to the frontline sources.
Fighting is taking place between Ping Tein and Khike Tone Hone villages on the Nawng Pein -Kyaukme road stretch. Reportedly, the junta has not yet reached Khike Tone Hone village.
“The fighting is happening just before they get to Khike Tone Hone village. The junta has not yet entered the village, and there are also airstrikes from aircraft,” a frontline source told Shwe Phee Myay.
On September 12, the junta’s military conducted two separate airstrikes in Kyaukme.
In the afternoon, a Y-12 aircraft dropped at least 30 bombs on Kaung Muu Lyan Village and Peace Hill Gate. The same aircraft later dropped at least 50 bombs on Khike Tone Hone and its surrounding areas between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
According to frontline sources, the junta is suffering heavy casualties in the fighting and is continuously carrying out airstrikes and bombing runs.
It is reported that in Nawng Pain village, which the junta has recaptured, local residents’ homes are being broken into and their belongings are being looted.
The junta’s offensive began on August 19, when its troops crossed the Goke Hteik stream near Nawnghkio. The attack was launched from Htantabin Village, targeting Nawng Pein Village, which is controlled by the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP).
Fighting between the junta and the TNLA in Kyaukme Township has been intensifying for nearly a month.
While the TNLA is resisting the junta’s offensive by mounting a multi-layered defense, the clashes are expected to intensify further.
However, the ethnic armed group has not yet issued an official statement regarding the fighting, which has displaced tens of thousands of residents from the town and at least 10 nearby villages.
Translated by #KLT
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