Fighting shut down Asian Highway
Another fighting with an armed ethnic group broke out last week. The fighting between government troops and members of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA)on March 11 led to the shutdown of a segment of Asian Highway under construction near Kawkar
“It occurred in the afternoon. It lasted about 45 minutes. Sound of heavy weapons, not small arms were heard. But the situation in Kawkareik was normal. There were no casualties,” said Tin Win Hlaing, a resident from Kawkareik.
The construction was suspended.
The fighting started after Lt Col Saw Hsan Aung and his men detained two officers from the Light Infantry Unit No. 97 and another officer manning a downhill checkpoint. The three officers were later released.
To date, the fighting in Kokang Self-Administered Zone has continued.
State media Global New Light of Myanmar reported that on March 11, some Kokang insurgents attacked the convoy of supplies from Lashio to Laukkai.
After artillery fires of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s armed forces, Kokang insurgents withdrew from the area and Tatmadaw columns were in pursuit of them, it reported.
In the same evening, Kokang insurgent ambushed a Tatmadaw column near hills to the west of Mawhtaik and Tatmadaw troops fought against them.
During the fighting, Tatmadaw columns seized weapons, 5,698 stimulant tablets and 2,200 stimulant tablets bearing letters WY worth Ks5.9 billion.
Tens of soldiers have lost their lives since the fighting with Kokang rebels started in February.
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