All articles tagged with #shan state
An explosion at an explosives depot in rebel-held Shan State near the Myanmar–China border left dozens dead and many injured, with casualty figures varying by report (around 46–55 dead and 70+ wounded). The blast damaged nearby homes and occurred in territory controlled by the TNLA, which said the explosives were used for mining and that an investigation is underway.
A massive explosion in Kaung Tat village in Namkham Township, Shan State, near the Chinese border, killed at least 55 people (about 25 women and 30 men) and wounded dozens in a rebel-held area controlled by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army. The TNLA said the blast was caused by explosives used in mining and quarrying and described it as an accidental explosion; some residents initially feared an air strike. The scene showed a crater, damaged homes and widespread destruction, with safety lax in mining contributing to such accidents in areas funded by mineral extraction amid ongoing conflict with Myanmar's military junta.
At least 26 civilians, including six children, have been killed in recent fighting between the Burmese army and resistance fighters in Shan State's Pekon township. The conflict arose after the military government forcibly removed democratically-elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi from office in February 2021, prompting widespread public protests and an armed resistance. The fighting has focused on Mobye, an area between the capital and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which has also been fighting against the military-installed government. Newly formed militia units opposed to military rule are part of a loosely organized People’s Defense Force, or PDF, which has allied with well-established armed ethnic minority groups.