From July 20 to July 21, there has been continuous fighting in two locations within Loikaw township, and residents reported that the Military Council troops are firing artillery shells indiscriminately during the clashes.
An official from the 2nd Battalion of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) reported, "There have been four injured. Yesterday, a civilian in his 20s lost his life due to indiscriminate artillery shell firing. The shells were fired by the Military Council and landed in the village."
On July 20, an artillery shell fired by the Military Council resulted in the death of a man in his 20s and caused injuries to four civilians, as reported by an official from the 2nd battalion of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF).
Fighting is ongoing in two locations within Loikaw Township, Kayah (Karenni) State, and a man was killed due to artillery shelling by the military.
An artillery shell fired by the Military Council landed in the village, resulting in injuries to a woman, two men, and a child.
The conflict erupted three days after the 2nd Battalion of the KNDF issued an announcement on July 18, stating that the military situation along the Loikaw-Mobye road and the Loikaw-Hsi Hseng road was tense, and the skirmishes could potentially occur at any moment.
It has been reported that people will not be allowed to travel on the main road from July 18 to July 28.
An official from the 2nd Battalion emphasized that due to the Military Council adopting a civilian guise and reinforcing its military presence, there have been military activities on the other hand, so they want the public to follow the announcements.
"We want to ensure that our statements are followed. They (the Military Council) may use civilian cars, and there may be requisitions. We do not want any unwanted problems. If the situation remains as stated and is truly convenient, we will issue another statement before the end of the day," he said.
Due to the ongoing fighting, residents of nearby villages are evacuating and seeking refuge in Loikaw Township for safety.
According to the 2nd battalion of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), the Military Council troops are engaging in various military activities along the Loikaw-Mobye road and the Loikaw-Hsi Hseng road. The military situation along these routes remains tense, raising concerns that skirmishes may erupt at any moment.
On July 18, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) announced that people using the highway should refrain from using large vehicles (ten-wheelers, trucks, trailers, dump trucks) from July 18 to July 28. Additionally, the KNDF has advised owners of small cars to lower their door glass if they need to travel during this period.
In Mobye Township, which shares a border with Loikaw Township, a skirmish has taken place in the town since the last week of May. As of now, Mobye residents have reported that Military Council troops are stationed in the town and also along the Union Highway.
