Myanmar’s Lashio conflict leaves 30,000 civilians trapped

Around 30,000 civilians remain trapped in Lashio, the largest town in northeastern Myanmar’s Shan state, amid escalating violence between the military and the ethnic Kokang rebels, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), RFA reported yesterday.

This situation follows the end of a five-month ceasefire on June 25, which allowed the MNDAA and allied forces to launch attacks on military camps across multiple regions.

Since the MNDAA intensified its operations on July 3, over 50,000 residents have fled due to heavy shelling, leaving many behind who cannot afford to escape.

The town faces shortages of essential goods and skyrocketing prices, the source mentioned.