Pekhon Township, Southern Shan State — Civilians from five villages in western Pekhon Township have been forced to flee as joint forces of the Myanmar junta and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) advanced into the area, according to local sources.

“People from nearby villages have already fled — many left three or four days ago. If the situation worsens, we will also have to flee,” said a local woman.

The offensive, which began in the second week of September, has displaced not only residents but also internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had previously sought refuge in the villages. Rescue teams and members of resistance forces are assisting with the evacuations.

Locals expressed growing fears after artillery shells fired by the junta–PNO joint forces landed near civilian areas.

“What worries us most is that we don’t know whether they will attack at night or during the day. If heavy artillery strikes while we are asleep, we wouldn’t even know. That is one of our biggest fears,” said another displaced woman.

Most villagers were forced to abandon their rice, groundnut, and other crops before harvesting, raising concerns about food shortages in the coming year.