RCSS/SSA-S Kills Six Junta-Militia Troops in Eastern Shan State Clash

Around midday on August 22, 2026, a roughly 60-strong column of junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion 314 (led by Capt. Than Naing Soe) and allied militia entered Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S) territory near the Sinmaung and Tarkaw village tracts, Mongping Township, eastern Shan State, without authorization. RCSS/SSA-S forces engaged the column for approximately 30 minutes, killing six junta-aligned troops before the column retreated and fired 60mm mortar rounds toward RCSS positions. RCSS/SSA-S reported no casualties on its side and no civilian casualties. An RCSS spokesperson said the column's heavy weaponry suggested it was prepared for combat rather than routine patrol.