Soldiers under the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have taken over Kyaukme and Nawngkio towns in northern Shan State after fierce fighting against the Military Council.

At least ten civilians have been killed and the same number injured over two days of fighting in the townships sharing the same names as the towns. The regime fired many shells and flew airstrikes over the area during the clashes.

TNLA reportedly took over Kyaukme Public Hospital, where regime troops were positioned, and its Artillery Battalion No-352 by midday on June 26. By 4 pm, the Ta’ang soldiers had captured the district-level police station in the town, a General Administration Department government building, and the fire department, all of which housed the enemy.

At the time of this report (June 26), a man from Kyaukme town said that TNLA attacks, supported by Mandalay People’s Defence Force, have continued on Light Infantry Battalions (LIB) 501 and 502 near Loi Khwin and Nawng Pein Gok Twin. They have also locked up the hospital, high school, and clinic in Nawng Pein at 2 pm.

Mandalay PDF reported that they and TNLA captured LIB 115, the police station, hospital, and a toll gate in Nawngkio Township. Attacks continued on LIB 114 and the junta’s Artillery Battalion No. 606 in the township.

According to TNLA’s information department, 24 junta camps have been overrun in Kyaukme, Nawngkio, Mongmit, Mogok, and Hsipaw townships during two days of its offensive. The groups also arrested 17 regime soldiers and captured many weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.