Locals fear for their safety after clashes broke out with the Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF) and troops from the military regime near Nawngkio Township in northern Shan State.

At least 20 soldiers from the ruling State Administration Council’s (SAC) Infantry Battalion 252 reportedly died, and 30 were wounded when they clashed with the PDF near the village of Doe Pin on the Pyin Oo Lwin – Mogok road in Nawngkio Township throughout the day on 9 October.

“We have escalated operations since early 2023, so I think we will have more clashes with them as our offensive campaigns gather momentum,” said Ko Ausmon, the PDF’s spokesperson.

A man from Ho Hko who spoke to SHAN anonymously said that a Burma army column has been patrolling around the village, the same road where previous fighting happened. The village is only seven miles from where the previous fighting happened. He mentioned there were no civilian casualties in Ho Hko, explaining how everyone hid in the village’s Buddhist monastery for three days starting when the clashes erupted near Doe Pin village.

“We are concerned about fighting starting up again in our area as things still remain unstable.”

While they wait it out, the local man said they also worry that wild animals will devour all of their corn in their farms that’s ready for harvesting.

The PDF fought with SAC troops in Nawngkio Township in early April during a fierce battle where homes were damaged by shelling, and over 3,000 people were displaced.