The Myanmar government on Thursday (Oct 15) signed a ceasefire agreement with eight ethnic armed groups, a potentially significant accord that aims to end decades of intermittent civil wars in the country making a fragile transition to democracy from years of stifling military dictatorship.

The signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) took place in the capital Naypyitaw between government signatories including army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and representatives from the armed groups.

It was witnessed by local and international observers from countries such as China, Japan, India and Thailand. India sent its National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Joint Intelligence Chief R.N. Ravi.

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Fighting broke out between the Burma Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in five separate locations on Monday, according to sources from the ethnic insurgent force.

Tar Bone Kyaw, the TNLA’s general secretary, told The Irrawaddy the clashes occurred at Nansang, Mongmit and Kutkai townships in areas under the armed group’s control. He claimed TNLA troops had killed 10 Burma Army troops, with a further two civilians portering for the military wounded in the attacks.

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At least 22 militants were killed and six hideouts were destroyed in military air strikes carried out in North Waziristan tribal region of northern Pakistan, said the military on Sunday.

According to the Pakistani military’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets carried out aerial strikes close to Pak-Afghan border ahead of Datta Khel area killing 22 terrorists.

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The Karen State Border Guard Force clashed Thursday with a splinter faction of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) near Kaw Moo village on the old Kawkareik-Myawaddy road in Karen State.

The fighting took place at 10 am and clashes continued until 2 pm, according to Col. San Aung of the splinter group.

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Burmese Army’s 77th Light Infantry Division troops overrun KIA’s 34th Battalion headquarters in Manton Township in northern Shan State on Sept 30 at around 3 pm, reported a KIA frontline source.

Burmese Army troops pounded KIA’s position with several artillery rounds beginning 12:50 pm.

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