The Mandalay People’s Defence Force (PDF) blames the regime for the escalation of fighting in Nawngkio Township after it dispatched many Burma Army (BA) soldiers to attack the armed group fighting to overthrow the dictatorship in the Southeast Asian country.

“Clashes have occurred between Nawngkio and Pyin Oo Lwin (townships) as the BA has stepped up its operations in these areas,” Moe Joe, an officer with the PDF, told SHAN. Currently, both sides are standing off in Nawngkio Township in northern Shan State, he said.

According to the officer, 4 PDF fighters suffered minor injuries when 100 junta soldiers attacked the group on 16 November. The PDF killed a BA officer when the conflict broke out between 8 and 9 November.

In August, over 1,000 civilians from Doe Pin, Hohko and Kalar Kwe were forced to flee fighting between the groups in Nawngkio Township.