Tensions are rising in Namkham as repeated sightings of military aircraft near the Myanmar-China border have stoked fears of impending airstrikes, leaving civilians in a state of heightened anxiety.

Local sources report that jets belonging to Myanmar’s State Administrative Council (SAC) have been conducting nighttime flights over the town, which is currently under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The sudden surge in aerial activity has left residents bracing for potential violence.

“The jets returned around 2 a.m.,” a Namkham resident told SHAN. “They never come during the day, but some nights, we hear them roaring overhead, and other nights, there’s only silence.”

The increased military presence has amplified concerns not only about possible airstrikes but also about a resurgence of ground clashes between SAC and TNLA forces. The situation has grown increasingly precarious since the launch of Operation 1027, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a conflict they say leaves them with little protection.

“Every side claims to fight for the people,” the resident added, “but when the bombs hit and homes are destroyed, no one helps us rebuild. These may be political wars, but civilians always pay the price.”

While major TNLA-held towns like Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongkut (Mogok), and Mong Ngaw have not seen renewed fighting, the TNLA has urged civilians to remain vigilant, citing the military council’s history of sudden air raids across northern Shan State.

Namkham’s proximity to the China-Myanmar border, just kilometers away, has further intensified unease among locals. Many fear that even a minor escalation could spiral into a broader conflict, leaving the town vulnerable to devastating consequences.