Heavy artillery fire from Nawnghkio (Naung Cho) Military Council troops struck Nawng Ping village on July 26, killing one civilian and forcing thousands of residents and displaced persons to flee amid escalating violence, local sources report.

The shelling began around noon, with multiple rounds hitting residential areas. A woman was killed, and several homes were destroyed in the attack.

“The bombardment started at midday, and by evening, at least eight shells had landed, one near a school and another in the market, where a fish vendor was beheaded,” a Nawng Ping resident told SHAN. “People ran in panic. Some returned later, but fear still grips the village.”

The assault follows an earlier attack on July 25, when artillery fire struck Pin Paw village in the Nawng Ping tract, injuring two civilians. One later succumbed to severe injuries while being transported to Lashio Hospital.

Aid workers estimate that over 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Nawnghkio are currently sheltering in the Nawng Ping tract. With security deteriorating and drone strikes increasing, many are preparing to flee once again.

This latest violence comes just days after Nawnghkio troops launched artillery and drone strikes on Nawng Pyit village in Thapyayyay ward on July 20, killing two displaced civilians, including a child.

Adding to the turmoil, the recent bombing of the Gote Twin Bridge, a critical transit route between Nawnghkio and Kyaukme, has halted all passenger and cargo traffic. Residents now fear an imminent ground offensive by Nawnghkio forces, potentially triggering renewed clashes in Kyaukme Township.