
Resistance forces who took control of the town of Hsihseng in southern Shan State last week were forced to retreat on Tuesday after coming under heavy fire, according to sources in the area.
Hsihseng, located about halfway between Shan State capital Taunggyi and Karenni State capital Loikaw, was captured by a coalition of ethnic Pa-O and Karenni forces last Thursday.
On Tuesday, regime troops and members of an allied ethnic militia, the Pa-O National Army (PNA), regained control of two infantry battalion (IB) bases in the town and fortified their defences, as clashes continued despite the withdrawal of the anti-junta forces.
“There’s still fighting at the IB 423 and 424 bases,” said Oak Kyi, the leader of a group assisting local residents displaced by the. . .