More than 30 people are taking shelter in relatives’ homes in Kyauk Phyu and Ann townships because of fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA.

Villagers from Dote Kan village in Ann Township fled from their homes when artillery shells landed near their village as war waged between opposing forces near Mae Than Gyo village in Ann Township on 19 July.

“Three or four artillery shells fell near our village. We don’t know which group launched them. We worried about our safety so we fled from the village. Women fled to nearby villages. A few men are left in the village now,” said a villager from Dote Kan village.

Dote Kan village has about 300 houses and more than 1000 Chin people are living there.  They are now in dire need of food and children could not go to school.

The clashes between the Tatmadaw and the AA started in December last year and it continues to escalate, battle areas are spreading now from northern to southern townships.