The Military Council and the Three Brotherhood Alliance have agreed to a temporary ceasefire; however air-strikes and fighting persists in many areas.
According to an attendee cited by VoA, a ceasefire agreement was achieved between the Military Council and the Three Brotherhood Alliance during a meeting in Kunming on January 10th and 11th, facilitated by China's intervention. The ceasefire agreement solely pertains to the northern Shan State.
In the case of Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army, a member of the Alliance is currently waging an offensive to capture all remaining Junta bases, the ceasefire agreement is unclear, the source told VoA.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning commented, “China hopes that all parties concerned in Myanmar will earnestly implement the ceasefire agreement already reached and exercise maximum restraint," she said adding that “Both parties have pledged not to harm residents at the Chinese border according to a Reuters report.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, there are reports from eyewitnesses indicating ongoing fighting in certain areas of northern Shan State.
A resident informed Shan Herald that clashes between the Military Council and Alliance forces persisted in Kinchaung village, Mongmit (Momeik) Township, until the morning of January 12th, with the Military Council conducting aerial bombings.
"There was another outbreak of fighting near Kinchaung village, accompanied by observed airstrikes. Yesterday, a confrontation occurred near Ohnkyaw old and new villages, resulting in the destruction of a monastery and four houses due to shelling by the Military Council”, he said.
Moreover, the Air Force of the Military Council bombed Panghkaw, Panghpat, Pangnar, Panghoun, Taunghpyu, and Konehsar villages in Lashio Township on the night of January 11th, as stated by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a member of the Alliance.
"Our village has unfortunately become a target for the Military Council, with artillery shells frequently hitting the village. The constant fear and worry among the villagers persist, as the village faces frequent aerial attacks. At times we are compelled to seek refuge in underground bomb pits”, a Konehsar villager reported.
These airstrikes caused damage to a monastery, three houses, and a stupa in Konehsar and an adjacent village.
The Military Council forces from Kyaukme Township shelled Mongngawt Township 5 times, Lashio Township-based troops shelled Konehsar, Pangnar, and Panghpat villages 34 times, and Hsipaw Township-based battalions shelled Namyun village 3 times, on n January 11th alone, according to TNLA.
"I prefer not to discuss politics, but in case of any conflicts, we ask armed organizations to notify the locals beforehand, allowing for timely evacuation. It's the only way we can prepare in advance. Additionally, I urge all parties involved to respect the situation of those displaced by war. On one occasion, the Military Council suggested refuge locations, only to bombard those areas later. This put us in significant danger”, a war-displaced person said.
During 'Operation 1027,' conducted by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, which has now extended for over two months and last week led to the capture of Laukkai township. Shan Herald has recorded the tragic loss of almost 200 civilian lives and the injury of more than 260 individuals
