Fierce fighting between the regime and allied groups, Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, has injured three people, including two children.

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Clashes broke out near Maw Hip, where the victims live, between 4am and 10:30am on Tuesday 6 September, and flared up again at 7pm, said a man who wished to remain anonymous out of concern for his safety. Others said fighting also broke out in the township between Nam Phakkar and Harn Kai in the afternoon.

The regime called in an air strike at 8pm and shelled the village injuring the civilians and damaging at least five houses, reported locals, who told SHAN that the violence also trapped travellers on the Kutkai to Hsenwi highway.

All the victims are receiving medical treatment at the hospital in Kutkai town.

“Fighting in the area was so intense that the earth shook…Even though the clashes have already ended, residents are still traumatised,” said a local who didn’t want to be named.