Sai Hseng Leng/SHAN — The People’s Defence Forces (PDF) battled the regime in Moebye on Tuesday, which damaged several houses in the town in Pekon Township in southern Shan State with artillery shells.

“I only know that one house was completely destroyed by the shelling, but I haven't heard of any civilian casualties,” a Moebye man who wished to remain anonymous said of the clash in Nyaung Waing Ward at about 9pm.

The man explained that violence often breaks out when it gets dark and that many people will return to the town the next day. He said the problem is that the regime’s soldiers stay in people’ homes and the residents want them to leave.

“We don’t want armed clashes in our area. The soldiers should stay in their camp. If they sleep in people’s houses, fighting will continue in our town,” said another man who also requested anonymity.

The Moebye Rescue Team has warned everyone to stay in their homes as violence may happen anytime.

On 16 January, the military shelled a displaced camp in the town, killing one person and injuring two others.