The Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO) recently disclosed that the number of people displaced by armed conflicts in Hsihseng, Hopon, and Loilem townships in southern Shan State has surpassed 95,000.

According to the report, there have been 63,179 internally displaced people in Hsihseng Township, 20,677 in Hopon Township and 1,2086 in Loilem Township.

Among them, more than 20,000 people have fled from Kayah State to seek refuge in southern Shan State since 2022-2023. Tragically, the clashes between the joint forces of the Myanmar military and the Pa-O National Army (PNA) and the allied forces of the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA), have exacted a heavy toll on civilians.

The conflict has resulted in the loss of 47 lives and injuries to 59 others due to a combination of airstrikes, artillery attacks, drone strikes, and bombings. Southern Shan State has witnessed a staggering 371 airstrikes and 1,135 artillery attacks, causing significant damage to 175 buildings.

Ninety percent of this building damage can be attributed to airstrikes, artillery attacks, drone strikes, and bombings, as documented by the PYO. The organization acknowledges that their report is based on ground information and online sources, but they caution that the actual number of affected individuals may be even higher than reported.

In response to the escalating violence in Hsihseng Township, the PNLA has issued a warning to local residents. They advise avoiding entry into the town, refraining from checking on homes, and seeking temporary refuge in safer areas away from the ongoing armed conflicts.