As fighting continues between Three Brotherhood Alliance and the military regime during 1027 Operation, over 3,000 people in Hsipaw Township have sought refuge in the town sharing the same name.

“We’re worried about our safety because they are exchanging heavy weapons fire. Both sides are firing shells during the clash and using civilians as cover, so we don’t feel safe here,” said a man from Hsipaw town, where he said most have sought refuge from the violence in the Buddhist monasteries.

On November 22 in the town, fighting broke out throughout the day with shelling killing a man instantly and injuring seven people. Three days earlier, a man was injured when a shell struck Mang Loi village.

Over 1,000 people originally from Bawkyo, Khinthi, and Lawng Khun village-tracts have taken shelter in Nam Hu Noi and Bawkyo Phayargyi Buddhist monasteries in Hsipaw town. People from nearby villages have taken shelter in Aung Mingalar Bodaw, San Phueak, Nawng Kat, Yay Oo, Myo Lel, and Sarsanar 2500 Buddhist monasteries.

Since starting its offensive against State Administration Council (SAC) on October 27, Three Brotherhood Alliance has seized hundreds of junta bases and multiple towns.

Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) destroyed Kyinthi Bridge linking Hsipaw with Kyaukme towns on Union Highway to stop SAC troops from advancing. Afterward, the Ta’ang troops attacked SAC camps in the Kyinthi and Bawkyo areas and, according to a Kokang media group, captured a camp near the bridge on November 26.

According to reports from locals, TNLA clashed with SAC around Ner Makhaw, which is situated between the two townships on the morning of November 27. Meanwhile, the regime’s Light Infantry Battalion 501 and 502 in Kyaukme town shelled Hsipaw Township.