Around 5,000 long-term internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, are facing acute food shortages as fighting continues between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and resistance forces.

The displaced people are sheltering in areas controlled by the SNA in the western part of Banmauk as well as in southern areas held by resistance groups.

“The situation is especially hard for pregnant women and the elderly. Water for drinking and daily use is scarce, and food has become increasingly difficult to find,” a local Katu man told Mizzima.

Locals reported that SNA troops have stationed heavy artillery on Pin Hinkar hill and are shelling nearby villages.

“Some people who tried to return home to retrieve their belongings were killed by artillery fire. Villagers now dare not go back. Internet shops have also closed, cutting off communication,” another resident said.

Due to the ongoing shelling, an estimated 5,000 residents from Set Taw, A-Lal Ywar, and Kan Ywar villages have fled to safer areas.

On 30 September, an artillery shell believed to have been fired by the SNA hit A-Lal Ywar village, killing a displaced Katu woman and seriously injuring four others.

According to the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) Military Region 1, allied forces launched an offensive on 15 September against Banmauk town, which was jointly controlled by the junta and the SNA, and captured it on 20 September.