17 Aug 2018 | 10:40 AM UTC
Myanmar: Fighting continues between rival ethnic groups in Shan state
Fighting between armed ethnic groups in Shan state (northeast) ongoing since July continues as of mid-August; hundreds of locals displaced
Event
Armed militants belonging to the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) joined forces with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) to attack positions held by the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) in the town of Namtu (Shan state; northeast) in July 2018. Since then, fighting has continued, forcing hundreds of ethnic Shan and Palaung people to flee their villages.
Context
Armed clashes between various ethnic-based armed groups and the
military regularly occur in the north of Shan state, and have
intensified since April 2018. In 2015, the government signed a National
Ceasefire Agreement with eight of the 21 armed groups, with two more
signing on earlier this year. No ceasefire is in effect in the Kokang
Self-Administered Zone.
Advice
Some foreign governments advise their nationals against travel to parts of Shan state, notably areas in the north and those bordering China, Laos, and Thailand. Individuals in the state are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
