Armed groups attacked Theinni Yaypu inspection camp on Lashio-Muse Union Road in the Shan State (north) on the morning of August 24, killing a member of Painsar People’s Militia and injuring one other, said an official of Theinni Township General Administration Department.

The armed groups attacked the inspection camp with heavy weapons. The police and member of Painsar People’s Militia are taking security measures at the camp. The army takes security measures along the road, the official added.

The Yaypu inspection camp is temporarily closed after the attacks including the explosion of Goketwin bridge on August 15.  There was no staff there apart from the security members when the attacks broke out.

Lashio-Theinni road section was temporarily closed due to the attack. The road reopened in the afternoon.

The fights have escalated after the alliance group comprised of the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA  attacked the DSTA, Goketwin bridge, police camp and toll gate and blew up the bridges. The intensified fights have forced the locals to take shelter at the relief camps in Lashio.

At a press conference at the military museum in Nay Pyi Taw on August 23, Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo, chair of Tatmadaw True News Information Team said: “Tatmadaw will welcome the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA to the peace talk. Tatmadaw is ready to make response if they continue to fight."

Maj-Gen Tun Tun Nyi said: “The attacks by the AA, the MNDAA and the TNLA on the drug screening machine, police members and the destruction of the bridges, aim to debase the dignity of the country and government.  This is an act of strong retaliation against the huge seizures of narcotic drugs.”