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KACHIN STATE – The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) reportedly opened fire at around 11:30 a.m. on Friday (August 18), injuring seven residents of Haopa Village in Hpakant.
A 32-year-old resident of Haopa Village told the media that the SNA troops stationed near Salzin Village fired heavy weapons at the marketplace in Nanpote Village, claiming that KPDF troops were shopping there.
“They are firing at the crowded marketplace because they received news that KPDFs were shopping. People were harmed,” said the resident.
A 58-year-old resident of Nanpote village said that seven people received shrapnel injuries and houses near the market were also damaged.
“The houses were damaged and those who were hit by heavy shellings are currently receiving treatment,” he said.
He added that some residents fled to nearby villages in the fear of more gunfire.
Military tension has risen since August 7, when the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked and captured the SNA camp in Salzin village of Hpakant.