In Kyaukme township, northern Shan State, exchanges of firing between Junta troops and the Ta'ang (Palaung) National Liberation Army (TNLA) erupted on the morning of June 25, killing two people including a woman, and injuring four others due to artillery barrages.
An artillery shell struck near Htonepho tax-free market in Kyaukme's No. 8 ward, resulting in the death of one man and injuring another, leading residents to flee to Kyaukmelay and Narpying villages.
In another shelling incident, a woman was killed by an artillery round explosion in Ward No. 9. A 14-year-old girl in Panpaung village was also injured by shrapnel from shelling.
“So far, we have confirmed two fatalities and four injuries. The situation remains messy, making it difficult to assess the full extent of casualties. Artillery shells have struck the town, clearly indicating an urban conflict. As a result, most residents are afraid to venture outside”, a Kyaukme resident told Shan Herald.
Around 6:00 AM, clashes broke out between the Junta's Kyaukme-based 501st and 502nd Infantry Battalions and TNLA. Following this, locals reported sightings of Junta military aircraft hovering over Nyeinchanyay Kone (Peace Hill), Naraikhkant, Sakhanthar, and Longwei villages near Kyaukme.
"There has not been close combat yet, but both sides are using artillery to pound each other. Shells have hit residential areas, causing civilian casualties. Residents near the 501st and 502nd battalions have had to flee”, the aforementioned source said.
Similarly, in Nawnghkio (Naungcho) township, TNLA and People's Defense Force (PDF) have engaged in intense clashes with Junta troops since the morning of June 25. The fighting has centered around Ongmahkar, Ongmati, Yaemawngtan, and Kyaukkyan villages along Union Road, where Junta troops are deployed.
During midnight on June 24, the Junta carried out an airstrike on Peininn village in Kyaukme, resulting in the death of one resident and injuring another.
The clashes erupted the next day after TNLA secretary general Tar Bone Kyaw's warning on June 24 that hostilities could reignite at any moment, citing repeated ceasefire violations by the Junta under the Haigeng Agreement and frequent shelling and airstrikes in Nawnghkio and Mongmit (Momeik) towns in northern Shan State.
