A Buddhist monk was injured by shrapnel when a shell struck a monastery during fighting between Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State on the morning of March 24.

The monk from Pan Kut village, located in Namtu Township, sought medical treatment in Lashio, said a man knowledgeable about the situation, adding there’s been multiple clashes between the ethnic armed organizations in the area.

On the same day in the morning, fighting between RCSS and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) erupted in Ner Mahkaw village, located in Hsipaw Township, during which time two shells landed in a house. Loung Sai Lek and Loung Ariya were unharmed when the shells struck their home.

Residents sought refuge from the conflict in the town of Hsipaw. A woman told SHAN the villagers unable to bring an extra set of clothing or even their mobile phones fled with the clothes on their back. Some are staying with their relatives.

The woman said the Burma Army is preventing civilians in neighboring villages from seeking safety during the conflict. She said the soldiers are patrolling the area.

SHAN confirmed the fighting and the shell attack with RCSS spokesperson Maj Kham San.

On the same day in Kyaukme Township, a shell struck a house in Nyaung Mawng village killing a man and wounding two other villagers during clashes between RCSS and combined forces: SSPP and TNLA.