Violence in northern Myanmar with an alliance of ethnic armed organizations (EOA) is spreading across the region. The events are threatening important trade arteries and tourism destinations in Shan State.

An attack by the Northern Alliance of EAOs at the Defense Services Academy on 15th August left 14 dead, including one civilian. The alliance also launched artillery at a bridge in Nawngcho township to the northeast. On Sunday morning, an ambulance driver was killed near Lashio when a gunman opened fire on his vehicle. Automatic weapons and a rocket propelled grenade were used on the attack. Local media have reported more clashes in and around the Shan State townships of Kutkai, Kyaukme, Theinni and Muse.

Although there have been occasional clashes in the far northern reaches of Shan State in recent years, they have rarely threatened cities further to the south. Pyin Oo Lwin and Hsipaw in particular are major tourism destinations. The two cities also lie on a main artery linking China to Mandalay and central Myanmar. Political analyst U Maung Maung Soe told the Myanmar Times that he expects the violence to continue spreading. “I think the military will begin offensives in the areas controlled by [the Northern Alliance, especially in Palaung villages, because the alliance attacked Pyin Oo Lwin, an important city for the military, where the Defence Services Technological Academy is located,” he said.