“With so many armed groups operating in the area, it’s difficult to know who is attacking who,” said one IDP.

The Myanmar Army used combat helicopters to pound Northern Alliance positions in northern Shan State, over a week after it met for peace talks with members of the alliance.

The Army shelled the Shan State Progressive Party/ Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) near Loi Harng village in southern Namtu township between March 26 to 28.

Although fighting has stopped, tension in the area remains very high. The Myanmar Army is reportedly sending in reinforcements, while the Northern Alliance retains its positions.

“We are not hearing gunfire anymore but none of the armed groups has retreated from the combat zone. Government forces are sending reinforcements, so new clashes can happen later,”  said an elder from Mangsan village-tract.

Locals reported that Myanmar Army LIB-324, based in Namtu, attacked the Northern Alliance with heavy artillery. Clashes also broke out in Sangkha village in Mongmu village-tract from March 26 and 28 March.

With so many armed groups operating in the area, it’s difficult to know who is attacking who, said Nang Zam that was displaced by the fighting in northern Shan State. “There are three armed organizations active around our village. I don’t know which group is opening fire. Fighting can start at any time.”

Two houses were torched after being shelled during clashes.

The Northern Alliance attacked the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army’s (RCSS/SSA) camp on Loi Harng mountain range from March 22 to 23. An elderly man, aged 60, was killed during the clashes.