According to residents, airstrikes and bomb explosions took place in several townships within northern Shan State, resulting in casualties.
In the first week of August, bomb explosions were witnessed in Kyaukme township and Lashio township. Moving into the second week of the month, the Military Council carried out airstrikes in Lashio township, triggering a state of panic among the local residents.
"On the 9th of this month, the military conducted airstrikes. A clash took place between the military and the Palaung Army near Namlawng village in the Mong Yaw region. Airstrikes were reported in the vicinity. The specifics of the situation are currently unknown," reported a Lashio resident.
On August 10, the press and information department of PSLF/TNLA revealed that the military initiated airstrikes subsequent to the escalation of clashes between the Military Council troops and the Ta'ang (Palaung) National Liberation Army (TNLA) within the Mong Yaw region of Lashio township, located in northern Shan State.
The Military Council's Light Infantry 16 and Light Infantry 68 launched an assault on the TNLA camp situated near Namlawng village in the Mong Yaw region. The military council utilized MI-35 aircraft to conduct firing, resulting in an intense and fierce battle.
Furthermore, on August 6, explosions from bomb blasts took place in Lashio and Kyaukme townships within northern Shan State, leading to casualties and injuries as reported by the residents.
Approximately at 11:30 a.m. on August 6, a bomb explosion occurred at the administration office in Ward 1 of Kyaukme Township. This incident resulted in the fatalities of a municipal official and an electrical official, and five others were injured, according to information provided by a local resident.
"This incident occurred approximately at 11:30 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported that individuals arrived in a car and proceeded to throw a bomb. Following the explosion, gunfire ensued. The incident transpired behind the city hall, at the Ward 1 office. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives: the municipal chief officer and an officer from Namtu EPC. Additionally, five people sustained injuries."
Reports indicate that numerous individuals sustained injuries when a bomb detonated while they were enjoying tea at a tea shop located near the municipal office. Nearby residents mentioned hearing gunshots in conjunction with the occurrence of the bomb explosion.
Following the bomb explosion in Kyaukme Township, Military Council troops implemented closures at the town's entrances and exits, performing inspections. Additionally, certain residences within Ward 1, where the explosion transpired, were subjected to inspections as well.
Alongside the explosion in Kyaukme Township, another bomb blast took place at 10:30 a.m. on August 6, this time at the motorcycle parking lot of Thein Htike Cinema in Lashio Township. As per residents, approximately 20 motorcycles were affected and damaged by this incident.
"I've heard about a bomb explosion at Thein Htike Cinema. The incident occurred during a show at Thein Htike Cinema yesterday at 10:30 a.m. Reports indicate that a bomb went off in the motorcycle parking area where moviegoers had parked. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but several motorcycles were damaged. Estimates suggest that around 20 motorcycles were affected. Furthermore, I've heard about another bomb explosion occurred during the night, but as of now, the exact location remains unknown," said a resident of Lashio.
In Lashio Township on August 6, residents reported that bomb explosions occurred at three separate locations within a single day.
Likewise, on July 15, a bomb explosion took place at the Zwe Htet gold shop in Lashio Myoma Market. Tragically, this incident resulted in the loss of life for one employee and left 12 others injured.
Because of the frequent bomb incidents in northern Shan State, the local community is grappling with concerns regarding their safety. Additionally, they are apprehensive about the possibility of facing unwarranted accusations and subsequent arrests by the military.
