A shooting erupted between the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and a junta-aligned Lahu militia in Mongton Township, eastern Shan State, heightening tensions in the region.

On the morning of February 14, a shooting broke out when UWSA troops stopped a vehicle carrying Lahu militia members at a checkpoint in Mongton Township. The militiamen opened fire following a dispute between the two sides, a source close to the matter told Shan Herald.

Three UWSA members were reportedly killed in the incident, and the UWSA took their bodies to Narkawngmu Village in Mongton Township.

“Lahu militia opened fire after an argument at the checkpoint. We heard that three UWSA members, including a Wa officer, were killed, though the exact number isn’t clear. Their bodies have been taken to Narkawngmu,” he said.

Some locals said the shooting may have been sparked by a betting dispute.

Shan Herald is still seeking confirmation on reports that UWSA suffered casualties in the incident.

Following the incident, the UWSA has increased security by setting up additional checkpoints in villages including Ponparkyin, Parchee, and Wanmai, the source added.

Meanwhile, the junta has given UWSA troops in the area of the shooting an ultimatum to withdraw within seven days, locals reported.

“UWSA troops are still at the monastery in Parchee Village, while Lahu militia members are stationed in Parchee and Monghan villages. The junta has reportedly told its Lahu allies not to carry out any more attacks. The UWSA is expanding its presence in the area, but the junta has given UWSA troops seven days to withdraw,” a Narkawngmu villager who asked to remain anonymous said.

Mongton Township is a key area in the UWSA’s Southern Military Region 171, and locals worry that the current tensions could spark further fighting. Neither the UWSA nor the Lahu militia has issued any statements regarding the dispute between the two sides.

The UWSA, considered the most powerful and well-armed of all ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar, is divided into two military regions: Northern and Southern. The Northern region hosts the UWSA headquarters, while the Southern region, designated as Military Region 171, covers seven townships, including Tachileik on the Thai-Myanmar border, as well as Mong Hsat and Mongton.