Army shelling in Myanmar blamed for destruction of 160 buildings in town

Fires burn in the town of Thantlang, Myanmar (Chin Human Rights Organisation via AP)

More than 160 buildings in a town in north-western Myanmar, including at least two churches, have been destroyed by fires caused by shelling from government troops, according to local media and activists.

The destruction of parts of the town of Thantlang, in the state of Chin, appeared to be the most extensive so far in the ongoing struggle between Myanmar’s military-installed government and forces opposed to it.