Shells landed on the grounds of a Christian church during fierce clashes between Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Burma Army in downtown Pang Hsai, northern Shan State.

A resident said the Kokang armed organisation exchanged heavy and light fire with the military near the police station, which is close to the church, at 1pm on August 20 in the town in Muse District. ”Three hot water showers were damaged. We didn’t dare leave our house,” she told SHAN. The woman said many houses were destroyed during the fighting, but she didn’t have exact figures.

A local man said that clashes in Pang Hsai had been going on for three 3 days. He said he hasn’t left his house because he can hear gunfire every day. “The fighting is scaring everyone. It’s really bad because they’re fighting in the town centre. We want them to fight each other somewhere else.

More than 1,400 people have been displaced by the conflict which began earlier
this month in Mongkoe and Pang Hsai sub townships. They’ve fled to the Chinese border and lack food and other supplies.

The MNDAA is a member of Northern Brotherhood Alliance as well as a member of Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee, led by the United Wa State Party/Army.