Kantarawaddy Times
Pinlaung Township, Southern Shan State —
Heavy fighting has broken out between junta troops and resistance forces near Taung Mae Thin Village in Pinlaung Township, raising serious security concerns among local residents, according to displacement aid workers.
“We’re worried because of heavy weapons. In the past, there were also drone attacks, so people are afraid of that happening again. It’s during the Thadingyut festival period, and many Buddhist groups are gathering, so there’s fear that junta drones or aircraft might strike crowded areas,” said Ko Yaza, a volunteer assisting displaced civilians.
The clashes reportedly intensified around noon on October 7, one day after the full moon of the Thadingyut festival.
“On the afternoon of October 7, fighting resumed near Taung Mae Thin Village and remains intense as of now. Villagers living nearby should take extra precautions for their safety,” Ko Yaza wrote on his social media account.
He also warned that junta forces have repeatedly bombed villages and IDP camps using aircraft, artillery, and explosive-laden drones, urging civilians to avoid gatherings to reduce risks.
In southern Shan State, fighting between the junta and the PNO (Pa-O National Organization) allied forces has displaced residents from at least five villages in western Pekhon Township since mid-September.
While some villagers from Taung Mae Thin and nearby areas have already fled to safer locations, others remain in their homes. Some displaced residents have returned temporarily to harvest their rice fields, prompting volunteers to urge them to stay vigilant about security threats.
