The Myanmar military launched a barrage of artillery and incendiary bomb attacks on Mongpai (Moebye) Township, located along the border of Shan and Karenni states, on the evening of May 1, destroying numerous homes and intensifying the region’s humanitarian crisis, according to local sources.

A resident told SHAN that homes in the township’s newer quarters were engulfed in flames after being hit by incendiary shells.

“The fire came from incendiary shells. There hasn’t been an airstrike yet, but the fighting continues,” the resident reported.

Heavy clashes erupted in late April between junta forces and allied resistance groups, including the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), the Southern Shan Military Region, and People’s Defense Force (PDF) Strategy No. 1.

Following significant losses during the fighting, the military reportedly launched retaliatory strikes from artillery positions in Pai Khun (Pekon) and Loikaw.

While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, early reports indicate widespread destruction. The number of civilian casualties and homes destroyed has yet to be confirmed due to the ongoing conflict and restricted access to the area.

Residents in Mongpai and nearby communities remain on high alert, fearing further attacks and the potential for mass displacement as the violence escalates.