Over 200,000 displaced as conflict in Myanmar's northern Shan State spreads

A new conflict in Myanmar’s northern Shan State has expanded to the country’s northwest and southeast regions, and Rakhine State since late October, leaving over 200,000 people displaced, the UN said on Wednesday.

“As of 14 November, more than 200,000 people across these states and regions have been forcibly displaced due to the fighting. Many have also moved towards the border with China in northern Shan,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

A conflict between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) in northern Shan since late October has spread to the northwest, southeast regions, and Rakhine, impacting urban areas with intense fighting and aerial bombardment, it said.

“The temporary ceasefire between the MAF and the Arakan Army in Rakhine since November 2022 is no longer holding,” the UN stressed.

“People in northern Shan have reportedly crossed the border into China, but the exact number is still being verified,” it added.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army armed groups have claimed control of numerous outposts and four towns, blocking critical trade routes to China.

Hundreds of people have fled the conflict and some have entered Indian territory in recent days.

Myanmar is currently ruled by a junta regime after the military overthrew a civilian government two years ago.

The UN expressed alarm at the severe fighting in Shan, pointing to reports of artillery fire and air raids causing civilian harm, displacement of tens of thousands, and hundreds fleeing across the border.