Continued fighting between the Burma Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has forced more than 1,000 people from their homes in northern Shan State’s Namhsan Township, according to local sources.

The clashes have been ongoing since November 11.

Ah Bam, who is working with the Ohn Ta Mao social volunteer team in the area, visited the Kyauk Phyulay internally displaced people’s (IDP) camp in recent days, which is housing some 600 people. 

“If we could count the IDPs in other areas, there would be be over 1,000,” Ah Bam told SHAN. 

The recently displaced people have sought refuge in the villages of Pang Ning and Mang Hkok villages in Kyaukme Township, as well as Kyauk Phyulay. 

“The IDPs need food. It is really difficult for us to get there. We have only arrived at Kyauk Phyulay. IDPs in other places still need foodstuffs,” Ah Bam explained.

The TNLA reported that they clashed with the Burma Army in Namhsan near Kaiktai village at around 6:30 a.m. and near Hu Kheng and Mang Mai villages about an hour later on Friday.

Locals told SHAN that they have repeatedly seen the Burma Army’s combat helicopters flying over the area. 

SHAN repeatedly reached out to the TNLA for comment but had received no response at the time of reporting.