Clashes between two Shan forces—Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA)—have continued in Lawksawk Township, southern Shan State.

The groups have already fought on five occasions before June 25 after forging a ceasefire last year following years of bitter war, mainly breaking out in northern Shan State.

A man from Lawksawk town told SHAN he heard light and heavy fire in the mountain range in Mong Pyin village tract, east of the town, on the morning of June 24.

The following day, clashes continued there and near Nam Hu and Nam Lin, a woman, also from the town, has reported.

Two locals were killed and four injured after they accidentally stepped on a concealed landmine planted on the bridge in northern Phayar Kon.

SSPP/SSA and RCSS/SSA had a gunfire fight near Inndaw around 9 am on June 19, and they clashed near Tawng Htip in the Kyauk Gu area in the township around 8 am on June 16. Locals from Kyauk Gu said both sides suffered casualties.

It was reported that RCSS planted landmines to detonate as SSPP troops crossed the Kyauk Oh Bridge in Lawksawk Township in the first week of June.

SHAN has repeatedly called the spokespersons of both armed groups for comments but nobody responded.