The shells were fired during clashes between the Burma Army and joint forces of the SSPP/SSA and the TNLA.

Two houses burned down after being hit by shells in Mongmu village in northern Shan State’s Namtu Township on Wednesday.

The shells were fired during clashes in Marn Sam village tract between the Burma Army and joint forces of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

The homes were owned by locals Long Sarng Paw, and by Nang Mwam Kham and Sai Naw Mueng.

“We lost paddy seeds, fertilizers, tractors, grass cutting machines, chickens and pigs. We didn’t get to take anything. We have been taking refuge in Marn Sam, so nobody was hurt,” the house owners told SHAN.

Multiple clashes have been occurring near Mongmu this week, with many locals taking refuge in local monasteries.

“I don’t know which armed group was shooting,” one displaced woman, Nang Aye, told SHAN, adding that in addition to the SSPP/SSA, TNLA, and the Burma Army, the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army is also active in the area.

Villagers from another community, Long Merk, fled clashes on Tuesday, she said.

“Unluckily, their truck turned upside-down after a shell landed near the vehicle. Three children and a grandmother got serious injuries and were admitted to Lashio hospital,” Nang Aye explained.

There are more than 40 people from Long Merk and Mongmu villages now taking refuge in Marn sam Shwe Sagawa North monastery, and another 70 from the community of Kong Hoong staying in a local school.