Fighting Displaces More Than 400 Villagers in the Last Month

Free Burma Rangers (FBR)   | November 13, 2018

Shan State, Burma

The Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S) has defended itself against attacks by the Burma Army, despite being a signatory of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Along with clashes against encroaching Burma Army units, the RCSS/SSA-S has also had clashes with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), due to territorial disagreements in northern Shan State. This past July the TNLA aligned with the Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N) to combat both the Burma Army and further territorial advances by the RCSS/SSA-S from the south.

More than 180 civilians were displaced from their homes in Thienni Township in northern Shan State due to fighting between local EAOs. Soldiers from the TNLA and the SSPP/SSA-N clashed with troops from the RCSS/SSA-S.

According to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the fighting took place between Mai Na and Kawng Wing villages. Villagers from Man Kyawng, Mai Na and Kawng Wing villages fled to safety in Man San Village.

Last month, fighting between these same two groups displaced over 300 villagers in neighboring Namtu Township.

Civilian Steps on Landmine Amidst Fighting in Muse Township

A force of about 300 soldiers from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) clashed with Burma Army forces at Loi Lem Mountain in Kutkai Township.

The clash began at 1700 on Nov. 1 and continued the following day at 0700, leaving one TNLA soldier wounded, three Burma Army soldiers dead and local civilians fleeing south into Kutkai Township.

Mr. Maran Brang Tawng, a 70-year-old villager from Kawng Lim Village, triggered a landmine while he was out tending his cattle on Loi Lem Mountain on November 1st. He was wounded and two of his cattle were killed.