Fierce fighting continued in the entrances to Lashio on July 22, forcing remaining residents in the town to leave or relocate, reports say.

On July 22, heavy clashes erupted near military units LIB (41) and 522 located at the entrances to Lashio.

Currently, only the MPT line is accessible in Lashio, making communication difficult.

Ko Myo, who is assisting those still in Lashio, posted on social media around 11 a.m. on July 22 that those fleeing the fighting were seen using motorcycles.

"They are firing between 522 and 41 downstream Yekantaung Sutaung Pyae. It's intense. Other areas are quiet. We are still here and safe. We are planning to donate to refugee camps and monasteries. Don't lose hope," Ko Myo wrote on social media.

"Our house is near Ward (11), close to the detour road. The elders are staying in the town. When I called, they said Kokang troops were entering from our side. Now they are relocating to the town center," said a Lashio resident who is a war refugee in Taunggyi.

Despite an MNDAA announcement of a ceasefire until the end of July, in honor of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee meeting and at China's request, fighting continues with daily shelling and clashes in Lashio.