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SHAN STATE – The junta council is reported to have been gathering its forces in recent days to get back Hsihseng which is the main city in southern Shan State.Junta convoys were seen heading from Taunggyi towards Hsihseng on almost consecutive days and Hopong residents also reported that the junta forces have been displaying a show of strength in the urban wards.
According to news sources on the ground, there are around 300 junta forces and three cannons, as well as over 400 junta subordinate PNO (Pa’O National Organization) militias stationed at the monastery in Hsaikhkawng Model Village and with additional reinforcements, added, there are now over 1,000 of them.
As the junta council could be launching a counter-offensive with massive forces in the coming days, the Pa’O National Liberation Army (PNLA), which currently has control over Hsihseng, is also said to be making necessary preparations.
PNLA has also informed us that due to high military tensions, passage won’t be allowed on the main roads, inter-village roads, and jungle routes in the areas of Hsihseng, Hsaikhkawng, and Banying starting February 10.
Over 60,000 civilians have been displaced due to the battle in Hsihseng Township and it is said that there is an increasing requirement for food and other necessities as the period of being displaced increases.