Burma-Myanmar: Uncharacteristic clashes break out between Ta’ang and Shan allied armed groups
Clashes broke out twice between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) in Kyaukme Township on Sunday, according to local sources.
Col Tar Phone Kyaw, a TNLA spokesperson, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that fighting occurred after negotiations failed to yield an agreement regarding the crossing of territory.
“They [the SSA-N troops] wanted to travel to other areas, and told us that they needed to cross our army base’s area. We requested that they not cross our areas, as the situation is quite complex and fighting often breaks out between the RCSS [Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South] or the Burmese army and the TNLA,” Col Tar Phone Kyaw said.
Officers from the TNLA and SSA-N first held talks at a village where permission to cross had reportedly been requested by the SSA-N.