The Burma Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) clashed in northern Shan State’s Kutkai Township on Wednesday morning, reportedly leading to casualties on both sides.
The fighting occurred near Mang Sup and Nawng Peik villages at around 6:00 a.m. on October 16, with the fighting lasting until 7:30 a.m. According to the TNLA’s field report, one of their soldiers was killed and one was injured. It also said that three Burma Army soldiers were killed and one injured, but SHAN was unable to independently confirm this information.
“We heard the sound of small arms being shot and heavy weapons firing. Local people were so afraid,” Lwe Nywe, who lives in Kutkai, told SHAN. “Even though the clash didn’t take place in downtown Kutkai, we were hiding in bunkers because we heard very loud noises from heavy weapons being fired.”
She added that the location of the fighting was not far from Kutkai town, and that a Kutkai-based battalion of the Burma Army had opened fire on the TNLA.
“Currently, it’s silent. But local people are living with fear. All of the shops are closed in Kutkai,” Lwe Nywe told SHAN.
The Burma Army and the TNLA fought in downtown Kutkai on October 9. At least six locals were injured.
The two forces also clashed on August 31 in Kutkai Township. At least five civilians were killed in the clashes between the groups including a woman and a newborn baby.
