Local aid groups discovered more bodies in civilian clothing in the conflict-torn town of Kyaukme amidst ongoing clashes, according to locals.

"We found more bodies today. We haven't been able to make an exact count yet. We're currently clearing the bodies found in the town," said a representative from the Nam Khone Shan Charitable Association in Kyaukme, at around 2 pm on June 28.

Since June 25, fighting has erupted between Tatmadaw and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), forcing locals to flee to safer areas, residents report.

"Today, we heard aircrafts overhead and continuous gunfire. Almost everyone from the town has fled to the outskirts," a local said.

On June 26, 21 bodies dressed in civilian clothing were discovered in Kyaukme and were later collected and buried by local charitable groups.

On the morning of June 27, Kyaukme Free funeral association and the Nam Khone Shan Charitable Association worked together to transport and bury the bodies found in the town.

Currently, only a few people remain in Kyaukme’s neighborhoods, while those living near the police station and areas hit by artillery shells have had to evacuate, according to a local.

Fighting between Tatmadaw and TNLA began around Kyaukme on June 25, with clashes spreading to parts of the town on June 26.