Hundreds Displaced as Fighting Escalates Between SNA and KIA-PDF Coalition in Upper Myanmar

A displacement camp in downtown Homalin. Photo – SNV.

Nearly a month of continuous clashes between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and a joint force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defence Force (PDF) has displaced hundreds of civilians in upper Sagaing Region, local sources reported.

The displaced population—including elderly residents, pregnant women, and young children—fled fighting concentrated around Thaungu and Tarmeipoke villages in Homalin Township, near the Kachin State border. Most have sought shelter in nearby villages, staying with relatives or crowding into local monasteries.

Hostilities erupted on October 8 in Sezin village, located in neighboring Hpakant Township, Kachin State, before spilling across regional borders into Homalin.

"The fighting started on October 8 and has been going on day and night," a displaced resident from Thaungu said. "Most of us fled to neighboring villages to stay with relatives or seek refuge in monasteries."

Artillery fire during the clashes destroyed several homes in both villages and caused significant damage to Thaungu’s local school.

Humanitarian conditions among the displaced are deteriorating rapidly.

With winter temperatures across northern Myanmar, families who fled abruptly without food, blankets, or warm clothing have received no formal aid assistance.

"Winter has already arrived," a displaced woman told reporters. "We had to flee in such a hurry that most of us couldn't bring any food or extra clothes."

Local sources report that active shelling continues to prevent residents from returning to their homes, leaving displaced communities facing acute shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.