"At 04:00 on 27 October, an alliance of ethnic armed organisations launched coordinated attacks on various Myanmar miliary outposts in northern Shan State. Fighting is ongoing around Kyaukme, Laukkai, Lashio and Kunlong districts, and near the towns of Muse and Chinshwehaw. Between 4,100 and 10,000 people have been displaced. There are civilian casualties and reports of heavy shelling. The military authorities have closed the local Lashio airport and all access roads to the town have been blocked. This includes the border road to China and, according to certain reports, the road to Mandalay. DG ECHO partners in Lashio have so far reported their teams as safe, but it is too early to start the response due to the heavy ongoing fighting..."