A civilian provided a tip-off to security personnel that there had been a plan to carry the contraband trade of weapons and ammunition in Hopong Township, southern Shan State. According to the tip-off, security forces conducted checks and found a convoy of five vehicles (two Canter vehicles, one Honda Fit vehicle and two 4-wheel drive vehicles) driven by armed men wearing uniforms of Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) in Sanphu Village at 11:15 PM on 20 January. Then, there was a small exchange of fire as a man wearing PNLO uniform opened fire on security personnel, injuring some security personnel.
With the aim to endure the peace, the security forces made negotiations with the members of PNLO, which is one of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatories, to abide by the provisions of NCA and so, the exchange of fire stopped.
While making negotiation, those wearing uniforms of PNLO torched their convoy of vehicles on 21 January in the morning and fled from the scene. Thus, the probable ammunition in their vehicles exploded and local residents’ houses were caught fire, destroying 27 houses. During the incident, six fire-engines from Hopong and Taunggyi Townships, collaboration with security personnel, put out the flames.
The security personnel checked the damaged vehicles and confiscated 504 small arms, 10 RPGs, six of 107 mm electric-ignited rockets and some other ammunition destroyed by fire on two Canter vehicles.
The State Government is providing relief and supply works for victims of fire. Furthermore, security personnel are continuing security measures for peace and tranquillity in the area, it is reported.
Source: Global News Light of Myanmar (22-1-2024)
- Security forces checked a convoy of five vehicles (two Canter vehicles, one Honda Fit vehicle and two 4-wheel drive vehicles) driven by armed men wearing uniforms of PNLO in Sanphu Village. Then, there was a small exchange of fire as a man wearing PNLO’s uniform opened fire on security personnel, injuring some security personnel.
- While making negotiation since the PNLO is one of the NCA signatories, those wearing uniforms of PNLO torched their convoy of vehicles and fled from the scene. Thus, the probable ammunition in their vehicles exploded and local residents’ houses were caught fire, destroying 27 houses.
- The security personnel checked the damaged vehicles and confiscated 504 small arms, 10 RPGs, six of 107 mm electric-ignited rockets and some other ammunition destroyed by fire on two Canter vehicles.