As the State Administration Council (SAC) intensifies efforts to reclaim lost territories, they have also begun targeting local charities.

On September 29, a charity organization in Hsipaw Township, which was aiding displaced people and the wounded, came under attack by an SAC airstrike. Several members of the organization were injured. This group had been providing critical assistance to those affected by ongoing fighting, including individuals injured in airstrikes.

Since September 17, SAC airstrikes in Hsipaw Township have killed eight civilians and injured at least ten more. On the same day as the charity attack, a clash erupted between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the SAC in Hsipaw and Nam Lan townships, resulting in two civilians killed by stray weapons fire.

“They started fighting suddenly, shooting at anyone passing by. I’m not sure how many civilians died, but I heard two were killed,” a local source told SHAN.

The SAC is carrying out counter-offensives to regain control of northern Shan State. It has been a month since they bombed a territory controlled by the MNDAA in Lashio, while residents were sleeping. Despite the SAC’s attacks on Lashio, the MNDAA has not yet responded.

In Mongyai, tensions are escalating between the SAC and MNDAA as the MNDAA strengthens its forces. Locals fear that fighting will intensify as SAC airstrikes in the area increase.

“The MNDAA is building up its forces, and although a major battle hasn’t broken out yet, the situation is very tense. So far, only the SAC has launched attacks. On the 26th, three villagers were killed, and airstrikes in Nan Tone Village injured seven Buddhist monks,” said a local villager.

On September 8, the SAC announced a counter-offensive against areas controlled by the MNDAA and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF). Earlier, on September 3, the SAC designated the PDF and the Brotherhood Alliance as terrorist organizations.