The Tatmadaw shelled villages with artillery after fighting with Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan State.

A man from Fai Gaou told SHAN everyone fled to the jungle after three shells struck the village on August 4 while Burma Army (BA) and MDDAA were fighting nearby.

“The attack on our village was intentional,” the man said. “We are safe now, but worried about our homes and other properties.”

About 300 live in the village in Muse District. Residents expect that fighting in the area will continue.

On the same day, in Lashio Township, a bomb injured three people about a half-mile east of Mong Yaw town. The explosion damaged two military vehicles, flipping one over. According to a local source that asked for his name not to be published, the noontime attack injured a BA soldier, a 60-year-old woman and a driver.

Another source expressed shock that the explosion happened so close to his home. “We do not want any of the armed organisations to plant bombs or landmines near villages.”

It is unclear which group is responsible for the attack. The Restoration Council of Shan State, Shan State Progress Party, Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Kachin Independence Army maintain soldiers around Mong Yaw.

A few days earlier, a BA military column moved into a police camp at the entrance of the town.