
Fearing the Myanmar military’s shelling and airstrikes, tens of thousands have fled their homes in northern Shan State since a powerful armed group relaunched an offensive against regime forces in late June.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)—a member of the tripartite Brotherhood Alliance of ethnic armed organisations— announced on June 25 that a ceasefire with the military regime had ended after remaining in force for five months.
Since hostilities resumed, the group and its resistance allies have taken control of two towns and claims to have overrun dozens of army bases in northern Shan State and adjacent areas of Mandalay Region.
Clashes spread to Hsipaw Township
With junta troops blocking roads and preventing civilians from leaving the area, thousands of the displaced northern Shan State residents are now reportedly trapped in Hsipaw, 22 miles east of Kyaukme, a town recently. . .