A joint force of Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and People's Defense Forces (PDF) fighters fought with junta troops near Northern Shan State’s Yelel Taung Pagoda in Naungcho Township, on Sunday morning, a resident of Naungcho told Mizzima.

Yae Lel Taung is about five miles from Naungcho Township. Residents from there said that they saw the two junta helicopters arrive and open fire on the villages of Yae Lel Taung, Seik Phu Khwin and Kyauk Gu.

One said to Mizzima: "The military junta’s two helicopters came and fired. The helicopters came, fired their guns and went back. The shooting lasted about 15 minutes. The attack could be seen from the town.”

The fighting took place from 8 am to about 1 pm with the helicopter attack happening at about 11 am. As yet there are no details of casualty numbers on either side.

In addition, local residents said that four bombs exploded at a junta communications tower between Zay ward and Butar ward in Naungcho Township. There were no casualties.

Previously, there was fighting in Naungcho Township on 23 February when People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) attacked railway police housing in the township.