Burma-Myanmar: 160 killed in clashes with 4 ethnic rebel groups in Shan State
Clashes with ethnic rebels in Myanmar’s southeastern Shan State have killed more than 160 people including 74 soldiers, according to the military Tuesday.
Fighting had intensified in the mountainous area along the Myanmar-China border since an alliance of four ethnic rebel groups launched a joint offensive in November last year.
On Tuesday, the military released a statement saying 74 soldiers, 15 police, 13 local militias and 13 civilians have died during months-long conflicts in restive Shan.
It added that at least 45 rebels have been killed and four others captured alive by troops.
In November, the combined forces of the Northern Alliance — the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) — attacked military checkpoints, police outposts and the 105th Mile Trade Zone in Muse town.