According to reports, the military coup d’état fired at least ten artillery shells in a single day in the Kyaukme District of Shan State.
On April 19, starting at 7:00 p.m., the 501st Light Infantry Battalion of the Military Council, located north of Kyaukme Township, was involved in a skirmish with the joint forces of the Ta’ang (Palaung) National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), which led to the firing of artillery shells.
A local man told the Shan Herald that gunshots could be heard until 5:00 a.m. on April 20th during the ongoing conflict.
“The Military Council fired no fewer than four artillery shells. It's been reported that the camp of the 501st Light Infantry Battalion was attacked by the TNLA and the PDF together. Most notably, we could hear the sounds of machine guns,” a local man from Kyaukme told the Shan Herald.
Residents informed the Shan Herald that on April 19 around 6:00 pm, at least six artillery shells were fired into Longkhan Village in Naung Cho Township, Kyaukme District. This incident occurred despite no ongoing skirmishes in the area.
“The Military Council stationed in Chaungzon fired at least six artillery shells at Longkhan village. The shells did not land in Longkhan village but it went beyond and exploded between Longkhan village and Pingnyu village. Despite no ongoing fighting, the Military Council opened fire," a local man from Naung Cho told the Shan Herald.
According to local sources, Military Council troops fired artillery shells without any signs of fighting, causing fear among the remaining residents in the area. Some of them fled in advance to ensure their safety.
At present, the ground fighting in Naung Cho township has subsided, but there are still military tensions prevailing between the Military Council troops and the Joint People’s Defense Forces (PDF).
Due to the long-term fighting in Naung Cho township, nearly 3,000 local residents have been forced to flee the area in search of safety.
There is no sign at all in Shan State that the Military Council’s claim of a nationwide ceasefire for this year has any meaning. given the high level of clashes and conflicts with Junta troops.
