In northern Shan State, junta aircraft bombed a crowded bazaar in Hsenwi (Theinni) Township, resulting in over 20 civilian deaths and numerous injuries.
The airstrike occurred around 5:00 pm on July 18, targeting four locations in Hsenwi, including the bazaar.
A local source reported, "Hsenwi has been experiencing frequent bombings by the junta. Last evening, a very crowded bazaar was bombed. While the exact number of casualties is not yet known, it is estimated that at least 20 people died."
Due to the ongoing phone network disruption in Hsenwi, accurate casualty numbers remain unavailable, and KNG is still investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues near Lashio between the junta and the Kokang armed organization Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). Although clashes have not yet spread to junta-controlled towns nearby, the regime has conducted airstrikes in these areas.
On July 15, the junta bombarded downtown Hsenwi, destroying houses, cars, and buildings. On the night of July 11, a school building was damaged when airstrikes targeted schools and the education director's office in the town.
Similarly, on the night of July 3, a bombing attack in downtown Hsenwi destroyed several houses near the police station. On July 14, an airstrike in Kokang-controlled Laukkai killed one civilian and injured at least ten others.
The ongoing conflict between the junta and the MNDAA has forced thousands of locals to flee from Lashio and Hsenwi into the Wa Self-Administered Division. Despite MNDAA's announcement of a four-day ceasefire starting on July 14, the junta continued air raids on Kokang-controlled territories.
Nearly all residents of Lashio have left the town, seeking refuge in Mandalay, Taunggyi, Kutkai, and other areas due to the escalating clashes. Some villagers on the outskirts of Lashio are risking their lives to return to their home villages after facing hardships while being displaced.
Since the beginning of July, the conflict in Lashio has intensified, leading to increased civilian casualties as artillery shells frequently hit the town.
