Clashes persist between Moebye and Nanmaikhon and 1,400 IDPs need aid

Clashes that erupted in the second week of June between Moebye in southern Shan State and Nanmaikhon in Karenni (Kayah) State continue on an almost daily basis as of 20 July, according to military sources. As a result, residents from villages near the combat zones remain displaced and urgently require humanitarian assistance. “We have been displaced between Moebye and Nanmaikhon for over two months, facing severe hardships. Many belongings were left behind in the villages. When some returned to retrieve their properties, they were targeted by drone and heavy artillery strikes, resulting in numerous casualties,” a local source told Mizzima. During the displacement period, junta heavy artillery and drone attacks killed six civilians, including two children and a woman, the source said. Shelter is the primary need due to the monsoon season, alongside food supplies, the source added. “Military engagements are continuous, with casualties reported on both sides. Our forces sustained fewer casualties compared to theirs. However, it is difficult to determine which side currently holds the advantage,” the military source said. The clashes are occurring as junta troops and the subordinate Pa-O National Organisation (PNO) militia conduct offensives near Moebye in southern Shan State against allied Karenni revolutionary forces. On 30 June, the Moebye People’s Defense Force (PDF) issued a warning advising the public to avoid traveling through the Nanmaikhon-Loiyin foothills, Loiwaing, and Khaungsan routes due to the active military operations.