Battles continue between Mawbi and Nanme Khone, over 1,400 displaced people need assistance

Battles that began in the second week of June between Mawbi Township in southern Shan State and Nanme Khone in Kayah State are still occurring almost daily as of July 20, according to military sources. As a result, local residents from villages near the conflict areas are still displaced and are in urgent need of assistance. "We have been displaced for over two months between Mawbi and Nanme Khone. It has been very difficult. Many belongings were left behind in the village. Some people went back to retrieve them. But when they ran back to retrieve them, they were attacked by drones and heavy weapons, and many died," a source for Mizzima said. It is also reported that six local residents, including two children and one woman, were killed by the military junta's heavy weapons and drone attacks during the period when residents were displaced. As it is the rainy season, shelter is the primary need, and food assistance is also required, he said. "Contact is ongoing. There are casualties on both sides. Our side has fewer casualties, while their side has more. It is difficult to say which side has the advantage," the military source also said. Battles are occurring between the Kayah Revolutionary Army Alliance and the military junta's troops and their subordinate Pa-O National Organization (PNO) who are advancing near Mawbi Township in southern Shan State. Due to the battles caused by the advancing military junta troops, the Mawbi PDF urged on June 30 not to travel through the routes of Nanme Khone – foothills of Lwe Yin, Lwe Wai, and Khaungsan.