At least eight police officers were killed and others wounded during an attack on a police camp by ethnic armed organizations in Lashio Township, northern Shan State.

The Brotherhood Alliance – Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army – launched the coordinated attack on the Nawng Moong police camp between 5am and 7:30am on April 10.

A woman familiar with the incident that happened along the Hsipaw to Lashio highway heard the commander was injured, and the camp was set ablaze. “There is nothing left of the police camp after the attack,” she told SHAN.

Villagers fled the area after three combat helicopters flew over Nawng Moong, and foot soldiers arrived in the village and the nearby Nawng Kwe village.

“We are worried that soldiers will indiscriminately shoot at people, and we are also concerned that clashes will break out in the area,” a villager from Nawng Kwe told SHAN. Over 300 civilians sought refuge at the Nawng Kwe Buddhist monastery.

Lt-Col Mai Aik Kyaw, TNLA spokesperson, wouldn’t comment about the attack until he is fully briefed.