Residents of Manlong village, northern Shan State, have fled to Namsang Township due to the intensity of fighting between the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Military Council army.

At around 6 pm on 8 December, more than 50 Manlong residents fled to the Zayangyi Monastery in Namsang township. The elderly, a child, and a male patient were among those who fled, according to Sayadaw U Pyinnya Siri of Zayangyi Monastery.

"Only Manlong villagers have fled to the monastery, including a month-old baby and many children under the age of ten, and there are also people who come to help with the food for the IDPs," Sayadaw U Pyinnya Siri said.

According to local people, villagers from Pain Long, Manlong, and Sanyam villages in Namsang Township have also fled to nearby areas and the nearest city for safety.

A day prior to the exodus, fighting took place near the TNLA base camp, which is also near Manlong village. The military council stationed in Namsang township also fired at least 20 times with heavy weapons and bombarded the base camp with helicopters.

Local media report the junta forces were still firing heavy weapons at the TNLA base camp on 9 December.