Clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army are taking place on a daily basis in northern Shan Shan State, according to an information officer from the ethnic armed organization.
The fighting has escalated just ahead of the next 21st-century Panglong Conference, set to start on May 24.
The TNLA said heavy fighting has occurred around Mine Ton/Mong Ton, Kutkai, Namkham, Muse townships between April 29 and May 15.
“The battles are taking place every day. You can say they are deadly because airstrikes have been launched four times. There was even a battle today [May 15],” said Major Mai Aik Kyaw, the TNLA’s information officer. He estimated over 30 skirmishes have erupted over the past two-week period.
According to Major Mai Aik Kyaw, fighting resumed after the Tatmadaw reinforced the 88th Light Infantry Division (LID-88) in northern Shan State at the end of Thingyan Festival last month.
The TNLA said battalions under LID-33, the 16th Military Operations Command (MOC-16) and the Northeastern Command have also been stationed in northern Shan State in addition to LID-88.
Major Mai Aik Kyaw believes the increase in fighting is related to the approaching peace conference.
“We have noticed since the previous administration that military expansions and heavy fighting tend to occur before political dialogues,” he said.
The TNLA also put out a statement over the weekend regarding the resumption of fighting with the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) in Kyaukme township. The TNLA blamed the latest inter-ethnic armed group hostilities on the RCSS invading its territory.
The Irrawaddy reported that around 260 civilians have fled the area since tensions flared on May 11.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron
