More than 3,000 residents of Kyaukme in northern Shan State have been displaced following heavy airstrikes by the junta, with many forced to shelter in unsafe areas without protection, according to local aid groups.
At least 3,000 people have fled their homes since 19 August, with around 100 managing to reach Lashio.
The displacement followed intense clashes between junta troops advancing from Yatsauk and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) along the Nawnghkio–Kyaukme–Yatsauk road, particularly between Htantabin and Nawng Pain villages. Fighting continued until the morning of 22 August.
“Kyaukme town itself is calm, but in Nawng Pain about 80 percent of the fighting continues,” one resident told Mizzima.
Residents say they live in constant fear as junta aircraft drop bombs including 500-pound explosives on civilian areas.
“We just have to stay wherever we can, depending on the moment. There are no proper shelters or refugee camps. But we are very afraid of the airstrikes, especially since it’s so close,” a monk from Kyaukme said.
Humanitarian workers warned that displaced families urgently need food, shelter, and basic supplies.
“The main need is food. Some people had to flee without bringing anything. Shelter and household items are also needed, but food is the most critical,” said a volunteer assisting the displaced.
On 20 August, junta aircraft dropped 500-pound bombs on Pintee village in Nawng Pain, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring more than 20, according to local sources.
The following day, on 21 August, the area was bombed again with a Y-12 aircraft. The Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) confirmed that 10 displaced civilians were killed in the attacks.
The Tai Students’ Union (TSU) condemned the military’s bombing of a monastery where displaced civilians had taken shelter, pledging to seek justice in the future.
Earlier, on 5 August 2024, during the second wave of Operation 1027, the TNLA announced it had overrun junta bases in Kyaukme and seized control of the town. Kyaukme is one of five townships the junta has asked to be returned in China-mediated talks.
