Security forces, TNLA clash in Namhkam, Shan State

A Tatmadaw column conducting area clearance work in Namkham Township, Manwun village tract in northern Shan State clashed with about 30 Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) armed personnel on the afternoon of 11 July, resulting in at least eight deaths and one injury, according to government sources.

One member of the Tatmadaw was wounded slightly, and eight bodies of TNLA personnel were recovered from a light truck that crashed down into a ravine. Three weapons were also recovered from the Toyota Hilux Double Cab that had been carrying at least 11 people. The eight bodies, five female and three male, were dressed in TNLA camouflage uniforms.

Two M-22 rifles, one M-21 rifle, 8 magazines, 132 bullets, eight sets of equipment and three hand grenades were recovered from the site. The bodies received a proper burial that same afternoon, according to government sources.

Further investigation revealed that the Toyota Hilux was owned by New Day Asia Mining Company, which had been granted mineral exploration rights in Mantung Township. U Sai Kyaw Aye and three others from the company were reportedly in the vehicle when the incident occurred. According to military sources, they were travelling in the Toyota Hilux on 11 July to buy provisions in Namkham when TNLA armed personnel hitched a ride. When the clash between the Tatmadaw and the TNLA occurred, U Sai Kyaw Aye and U Sai Pe Win were both wounded on the arm and the leg. They were being treated in a hospital in Mansi, China according to a news release from the Tatmadaw True News Information Team.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar