Local residents near Naung Pein village in Kyaukme Township, Northern Shan State, are being forced to flee their homes as the military council continues to launch artillery attacks in the area. According to local sources, the military forces stationed in Naung Cho Township began firing at least six artillery shells around Naung Pein village starting from approximately 11:14 AM on July 28. The ongoing attacks have caused widespread fear among residents, forcing them to seek shelter in safer locations.
Civilians from both Naung Pein village and along the Mandalay-Lashio road are currently evacuating due to fears of an impending military column advance. Despite recent reports of an agreement between the military council and the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) that supposedly would allow civilians to return to their homes, the renewed artillery attacks have heightened concerns among local residents. A local resident reported that while there were announcements about the possibility of returning home following the SSPP agreement, the military continues to launch attacks, forcing everyone to flee. The source confirmed that at least six artillery shells have been fired at areas near Naung Pein from military positions in Naung Cho.
The situation has been further complicated by a previous incident on July 26, when military council troops in Naung Cho Township conducted artillery strikes that resulted in the death of one internally displaced person and injured five others. The attacks also caused significant damage to civilian homes in the area. Local residents have been forced to abandon their homes and face significant challenges in returning due to the ongoing security concerns. The continuous military operations have created a humanitarian crisis in the region, with civilians unable to return to their normal lives due to the persistent threat of violence from military forces.
