Flights at Shan State’s Lashio Airport suspended due to fighting

30 October 2023
Flights at Shan State’s Lashio Airport suspended due to fighting

According to residents, flights to and from Lashio Airport in Northern Shan State were halted on 27 October.

Residents have reported that junta’s helicopters have been landing at Lashio Airport, which is situated adjacent to the Northeastern Regional Military Command.

A resident of Lashio said, "The airport is indeed temporarily closed. Flights for today have been canceled, and we are uncertain about the duration of the closure."

Flights to and from Lashio Airport have been canceled and suspended due to the intense battles taking place in several locations across the Northern Shan State, including Lashio.

On 27 October, the three Northern Alliances jointly issued a statement claiming their simultaneous attack at military camps stationed in Northern Shan State as Operation 1027.

Moreover, the MNDAA announced an emergency closure of two road sections, Lashio - Chin Shwe Haw and Lashio – Muse located on the China - Myanmar Trade Route from 27 October.

The same resident from Lashio said, "The MNDAA announced that any vehicles passing through the closed roads would be considered as enemy vehicles and subject to attack. Consequently, the entrances and exits of Lashio are also blocked."

Hence, all entry and exit points in Lashio are currently sealed off, and residents have reported that the battle is ongoing in the vicinity of the town's outskirts.

Starting on 27 October, clashes have been occurring at the junta camps in various townships, including Lashio, Theindi, Kyaukme, Naung Cho, Kutkai, Kunlong, Chin Shwe Haw, and Laukkai.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the Northern Alliance forces successfully seized control of Chin Shwe Haw Town. However, the Myanmar junta has denied this.