Fighting broke out on March 14 in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) attacked Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) positions, according to local residents. Sources said MNDAA used artillery and drones to strike TNLA camps, triggering exchanges of fire between the two sides. Vehicles heading toward Kutkai reportedly turned back toward Lashio as the fighting intensified.