Hsu/ Munich (NSS) – Jan 22

According to local residents, there is no armed conflict in southern Shan State, and the explosion in Hopong Township resulted from six vehicles engaged in the illicit smuggling of large quantities of ammunition.

The armed groups that dressed in PNLO/PNLA uniforms, disposed of the ammunition they were transporting on a road in Sann Phoo Village, Hopong Township, at approximately 11 am on January 21st.

A local resident from Hopong informed NSS, "To transport to Kayah State, they have to pass through the PNLA-controlled zone. It seems like the local PNLA is assisting in the transportation of these weapons. The military investigated upon receiving this information, and I heard that they engaged in negotiations. However, around 11 am, I heard that the weapons and ammunition were eventually destroyed."

The local residents speculated that the weapons and ammunition loaded onto six vehicles were being transported illegally to Kayah State.

The armed group, dressed in PNLO/PNLA uniforms, destroyed these six vehicles on a road in Sann Phoo village, Hopong Township. Consequently, a massive explosion occurred on the village road.

According to local residents, a minimum of 26 civilian houses in Sann Phoo village were destroyed as a result of these explosions.

The locals also added that out of the six vehicles, five of them were burnt down and the rest one was used for their escape. 

It is reported that, there is no current armed conflict in southern Shan State. 

Hopong locals stated, "Contrary to some media descriptions, there is no armed conflict. Reports in the media indicate armed conflicts between the military of the State Administration Council (SAC) and the PNLO. However, this is inaccurate. The vehicles observed are loaded with weapons, ammunition, RPGs, and grenades. The explosions, involving both small and heavy weapons, may sound like a crossfire, but there was actually no armed conflict."

On  17 November2023, numerous weapons and ammunition intended for transport to the KNPP and PDF groups, engaged in military operations to raid the city, were reportedly seized within Pinlong Township in Shan State.