Regime forces retake Hsipaw in northern Shan State from Ta’ang National Liberation Army

Residents of Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State told DVB on Friday that regime forces retook control of the town from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) after several administration offices and a hotel there were set on fire Thursday.

“We don’t know which side set the fires. The roof of Hsipaw Hotel was also burning. We think it was hit by heavy artillery,” a Hsipaw resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. 

Hsipaw, seized by TNLA on Oct. 13, 2024, is located 45 miles (74 km) south of the regional capital Lashio. 

Regime media reported on Friday that the military was conducting “clearance operations” in Hsipaw. It claimed that the TNLA carried out arson on the town’s administrative offices and hotel on Thursday.