July 18, 2024
Ongoing conflicts in Northern Shan State have displaced over 30,000 people from five townships, according to a statement from the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA). The townships affected include Lashio, Hsipaw, Naungcho, Mongoke, and Momeik.
The latest wave of displacement follows the initiation of Operation 1027 (Phase 2) by allied forces, including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), on June 25. The operation has involved continuous attacks on junta military bases.
Starting from July 3, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and allied forces launched offensives towards Lashio, leading to intense clashes in the city. The junta has responded with heavy artillery and airstrikes, causing significant civilian casualties and displacing many residents.
According to the SSPP, many displaced residents from Lashio and Mong Yaw townships have sought refuge in Hsipaw, particularly at the Sing Kywat Monastery. The SSPP reported that over 400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently sheltering at the monastery, where they are receiving food and essential supplies worth over 2.5 million Kyats from the SSPP/SSA.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in daily casualties among civilians due to heavy artillery and airstrikes. Since the start of the operation until July 17, at least 76 civilians have been killed and over 110 injured, as reported by the TNLA.
The SSPP’s announcement emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the displaced populations and called for greater awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Northern Shan State.
