Civilians evacuated when Burma Army (BA) artillery hit a sugarcane and tea field in Muse District, northern Shan State, causing a fire to spread near their village during fighting with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

“In the distance, we could see smoke. We’re terrified to return to our village because the war is still going on. We don’t know if our homes were damaged by fire,” a man told SHAN on condition of anonymity.

He said that BA fired artillery at MNDAA troops in the field close to Nawng Kham, while regime troops east of the village attacked the Kokang armed group.

Villagers fled to Mongpaw’s Zay ward.

MNDAA and Kachin Independence Army frequently fight with the BA in Mongpaw area. The regime has been sending reinforcements in recent days to fight with the groups, both of which are members of the Northern Alliance. Despite the BA overpowering them in size and weaponry, the armed groups have inflicted many casualties.