The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has reported that the military council conducted aerial attacks using 11 chemical bombs near the military’s 902 base camp in Taung Khan village, Naung Cho Township, Shan State during ongoing clashes. The fighting occurred on April 29th between 8:00 AM and 3:40 PM, during which the military council carried out aerial attacks using chemical weapons. Additionally, military personnel from both the 902 and 453 base camps fired 26 rounds of 120mm heavy artillery during the engagement.
Despite the military council’s announcement extending the ceasefire period until the end of April, they continue to expand their military presence and launch offensive operations in territories controlled by the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). The military has been conducting airstrikes even in areas where there is no active fighting. Notably, on April 24th, the military council also launched attacks on Naung Cho Township using 8 chemical bombs and 27 conventional bombs, according to the TNLA’s statement.
The military council’s use of chemical weapons constitutes a violation of international warfare conventions and poses a serious threat to civilian safety. While the military council has declared a ceasefire, military activities have actually intensified, and war crimes continue to be committed against local civilians. These attacks have caused fear and panic among local residents, with some being forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The ongoing military operations demonstrate the council’s disregard for civilian welfare and international humanitarian law, as they continue to employ banned weapons and target civilian areas despite claiming to observe a ceasefire.
