On Sunday, a People’s Militia Force (PMF) soldier was killed, and two others were wounded after the vehicle they were traveling in attempted to cross a bridge controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State.

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A man knowledgeable about the incident told SHAN on condition of anonymity that the TNLA shot at the PMF’s vehicle as it tried to cross the Nam Moom Bridge near Sel Lant at 5 pm in Muse District. A clash ensued between the Ta’ang soldiers and the Burma army, with which the PMF maintains alliances.

“We could hear machine gun fire and mortar shelling. We also saw smoke rising up from the site of the clash,” which lasted at least 10 minutes, another male local has told SHAN on condition of anonymity.

Locals reported hearing three explosions following the clash.

“Two homes in Sel Lant were damaged: the windows were broken, and bullets hit the walls. Some vehicles in the village were also struck by bullets,” the first man said.

Vehicles traveling from Nam Kham to Muse were stopped because of the clash.

“We cannot leave from here. Actually, all the vehicles are trapped. We are still waiting and assessing the situation. We’ll probably run into both the TNLA and the Burma army if we continue on this road,” an anonymous driver told SHAN.

Much to the displeasure of locals, the TNLA regularly collects taxes from drivers and pedestrians crossing the Nam Moom Bridge.

The Ta’ang armed group clashed with the Burma army in Mong Ngor sub-township in Kyaukme District on 10 July. Two local men were injured after accidentally stepping on concealed landmines in the conflict zone.

The other armed groups fighting the Burma army in Muse District include the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army and the Kachin Independence Army.