On Saturday, the State Administration Council (SAC) shelled and destroyed a Buddhist monastery during clashes with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Hsenwi Township in Lashio District.

“The shell struck the residences of the novice monks and the dining hall. Luckily, there were no novices injured,” a local man told SHAN, requesting anonymity. He mentioned that the explosion at 11 am caused damage to the brick walls and iron sheet roof. Everyone has been temporarily relocated to the Ho Mong Buddhist monastery while the situation is assessed.

The source stated that three SAC shells also landed in the gardens of Nar Kong in Kun Kok village-tract. However, he wasn’t aware if there were any casualties from the attack.

A KIA shell fired in the village-tract landed near a school in Wan Pang, reportedly killing two SAC soldiers and seriously injuring two others, as confirmed by another anonymous source knowledgeable about the situation.

“One of the injured Burma army soldiers died at the Pang Lor Toll Gate while being taken to the hospital,” he said.

Over 100 people, including about 30 children from Kun Kok village, are seeking refuge from the fighting at a Buddhist monastery in Homong village, while over 300 are sheltering at Pai Kham Monastery.

Last Thursday, SAC fired six shells at Kun Kok village from Ting Loung, damaging a house and a building used for cooking.