The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) captured the junta’s 147th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB-147) stationed in Nawngkawgyi Village, Hsipaw (Thibaw) Township, Shan State.

The Kokang ethnic armed group, MNDAA, captured the base of LIB-147, under the junta’s Northeastern Regional Command, at around 4:00 p.m. on August 13.

“Kokang troops managed to capture the base stationed on a hill near Nawngkawgyi Village yesterday evening,” an MNDAA’s frontline source said.

The MNDAA launched an offensive against LIB-147 on July 26, sparking fierce fighting that resulted in casualties on both sides before the base was captured.

The fall of LIB-147 signifies that the entire Nawngkawgyi Village has come under MNDAA control. The village, located within the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) controlled area, is just 14 miles from Hsipaw Town.

Around Hsipaw Town, junta troops are engaged in fierce fighting with a coalition of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF), while junta airstrikes and shelling have killed more than 20 civilians, locals reported.

Similarly, junta battalions based in Namlan Town are indiscriminately shelling Hsipaw Town with artillery, leaving residents concerned for their safety.