The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) clashed with Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) near Wam Seim village in Hsipaw Township, northern Shan State Monday, July 26.

A man from Namlan town told SHAN he could hear the sounds of heavy weapons deployed from 5:30am to 9am. Others told him the violence happened near Yay Phyu village, however, he couldn’t say for certain because his town is currently locked down.

“COVID-19 has infected Namlan…We can’t leave our homes,” another man from the town informed SHAN.

Maj Sai Kham San, RCSS spokesperson said that the fighting, which has spread to the Wam Seim village tract, will likely to continue in Namlan sub-township.

SHAN was not able to reach Maj Sai Phone Han, SSPP spokesperson, for his comment.

The second source from Namlan town said some villagers fled the fighting, but they have nowhere to go because there are no internally displaced persons camps in the sub-township.

The rival Shan ethnic armed organisations last fought in Nawng Ann village tract in Hsipaw Township on Thursday, July 22.