CNN —
Amid escalating violence in northeastern Myanmar, Khin Swe was forced to flee her home in Lashio as artillery and airstrikes ravaged the town. The 28-year-old’s harrowing escape reflects the plight of many residents, who packed up and left to seek safety elsewhere.
Since late June, an ethnic rebel army launched an offensive to capture Lashio, the largest town in Shan state, marking a pivotal moment in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict post-coup. The humanitarian crisis has left millions displaced, with images depicting a mass exodus from the conflict-ridden town.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claimed a significant victory by liberating Lashio, a strategic stronghold against the military junta. However, conflicting reports from both sides highlight the uncertainty surrounding the town’s status.
As the situation unfolds, analysts point to the rebel forces’ increasing control over key areas, posing a formidable challenge to the junta’s dwindling authority. The resilience and coordination displayed by resistance groups signal a shifting dynamic in Myanmar’s protracted conflict.