SHAN STATE – Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has captured the villages of Hopeik and Malhan at the entrance of Lashio City on July 17 morning, confirmed sources on the ground.
Currently, MNDAA forces are stationed in massive numbers inside the two villages while junta forces have set up defenses inside Narmahaw bus terminal and the local people said that battles ca break out at any time.
Meanwhile in Lashio City, it is said that the situation has been calm on July 17 except for two rounds of heavy artillery fired around 8 a.m.
“The previous days, I would wake up to constant sound of battle and my heart would be trembling. But it has been very calm today (July 17). It is raining and because of that there are no planes as well,” said a resident who still remains inside the city.
The junta council has allowed the civilians to enter and leave Lashio but MNDAA advised against entering the city as things could become dangerous at any time depending on the situation of the battle and is also urging those still inside to flee as quickly as possible.
“There is no fighting in the city nor near Malhan (Village). But those fleeing now should pay special attention. The junta council could fire shells towards Malhan,” warned a source on the ground.
The bodies of the soldiers from both sides that fell during the battle in Lashio City were reportedly picked up by social assistance teams and it is said that the bodies of junta soldiers near the Technological University were packed in jute bags as there was no one picking them.
It is informed that the people fleeing along the Lashio-Namlan-Mongkai-Lechar-Pinlong Road can take shelter at Panhlaingsai Region in Namhsan Township.
