More than 2,000 villagers displaced by escalating fighting between regime forces and Karenni resistance groups in the Mobye area have fled to Hsihseng Township, about 50 miles northeast in southern Shan State

Many fled shelling from Loilin Lay village tract located in Loikaw Township in Karenni State, according to a man from Hsihseng Township requesting anonymity.

A male volunteer helping them, who also asked that his name not be published, said some of the displaced villagers were in Hsihseng town for the second time. After returning home thinking the violence had stopped, they had to flee again when fresh fighting started.

”We provided them with shelter and food,” says the man. But he’s worried about how long they’ll be able to help them, as the number of those in need is increasing due to the conflict, but fewer and fewer donors are available.

The villagers are housed in a Buddhist monastery in Htisel Hka and in camps in Yay Phyu, Nawng Htor, Tawng Lagaru, Awng Kalap, Kawng Hto, Nawng Bo Kantawlay and Hsihseng Phayaphyu villages.

Fighting in southern Shan State has escalated after the regime sent in large numbers of troops and armoured vehicles and attacked resistance groups and civilians with airstrikes.