'Everything had been looted': Myanmar's civil war takes heavy toll

Ommathi, a village along the Mandalay-Lashio road, is still heavily scarred by civil war clashes and, more than six months after its recapture by Myanmar's military, remains largely deserted. (All photos by Nikkei Asia contributing writer) 

Journey through Shan State highlights devastation of five-year conflict

OMMATHI, Myanmar -- "Not even a spoon! There was nothing left when we returned, everything had been looted!" The shopkeeper's voice is filled with anger. Her husband nods. On his mobile phone are numerous memories of devastation: sandbag bunkers in door frames; walls riddled with the impact of explosions and blackened by fire; three large holes punched in the roof by drone bombs.