SHAN STATE – Junta forces and their subordinate Pa’O Pyithusit (PNO) are reportedly raiding and torching the villages in Pinlaung Township, southern Shan State.
Residents reported that Howo and Lwalkyai Villages in Pinlaung Township were torched on November 1. It is said that at least 20 houses were destroyed in Howo Village due to junta arson and heavy artillery shelling.
“They (junta forces) first fired heavy artillery shells then raided the village yesterday (November 1). There were some villagers left (in the village) to harvest crops and they had to flee to nearby places. The junta forces are still stationed in the village today (November 2),” said a person on the ground.
It is said that there are over a thousand displaced people from Howo and Lwalkyai Villages with a large need for basic rations.
A Karenni military source shared that the junta and PNO forces currently stationed at the two villages could advance towards Pekhon.
“The closest village to Pekhon is Pinlaung Village. They might enter Pekhon via there. Battles are happening daily,” said the military source.
Junta and PNO launched offensives with three columns since early September to gain territory control in Pekhon and there have been daily battles with casualties on both sides, according to military sources.
However, neither side has issued statement about the battles between Pinlaung and Pekhon Township and the Karenni Coalition has also only informed that battles are still ongoing.
Junta light infantry 336, 421 and military operations command 7 are based in Pekhon Township.
