75 Myanmar junta soldiers were killed and many others were injured during 10 days of fighting in the border area between Mandalay Region and Shan State, according to the Mandalay People's Defence Force (PDF).

The fighting took place in the border areas between Pyin Oo Lwin Township in Mandalay Region and Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State from 5 to 14 April.

Seven local PDF fighters were killed in the fighting and a further 15 were injured, according to the Mandalay PDF.

It said that up to 900 junta troops, supported by fighters from the Nawnghkio militia group fought against the defence forces.

A Mandalay PDF member said: “The fighting has been intensifying until now. It has been ongoing from 5 to 16 April.” He added that during the fighting the junta had conducted 27 airstrikes in the area, using YAK-130 aircraft, SU-30 and Mi-35 helicopters.

At the beginning of the fighting, in Thanbo Village in Nawnghkio Township, two children were killed and three other villagers were injured when the junta fired heavy weapons at the village on 5 April.