Junta forces and people defense forces started fighting on December 7 near the western part of Aung Si Myay village, Depayin township, Shwebo district, Sagaing Division according to local residents.

Heavy artillery fire continued for more than an hour, and countless shelling continued unabated.

Thousands of people from villages in Sagaing Region’s Depayin Township have fled their homes after military troops bombarded villages with artillery and air raids.

There are 37 townships in Sagaing Division and almost all townships have local People's Defense Forces (PDFs).