As the fighting between Kachin rebels and the Burmese army intensifies in northern Burma, the military tried to open another front on Friday, according to Kachin sources. They reported that government artillery units and helicopters launched attacks in the Lajayang area nearby the rebels’ headquarters, located on the Burma-China border.

Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) spokesman La Nan said army helicopters could be seen and heard from the KIO headquarters in Laiza, as they pounded Kachin ethnic rebel bases in the hills around Lajayang.

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The national army personnel in several separate operation killed 22 armed rebels and arrested 6 others.

According to national defense ministry press office, the national army personnel conducted special combined operation in the outskirts of Shorbak district of Kandahar province and killed 20 armed militants and detained 6 others. A gun, 12 different types of arms, a sack of hashish and 2 tents were seized by these forces.

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Following three days of peace talks in Rangoon on December 7- 9, the Chin National Front (CNF) signed a 27-point agreement with the central government, and met with other Chin political party representatives for the first time.

According to Chin media, the main points of the agreement included:

Chin National Day–February 20–will be recognized as a holiday in Chin State, while Chin State Day celebrations can be held on January 3.

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Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)

It is anticipated that there will be an increase in conflicts in the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) movement area, Northern Shan State, according to TNLA spokesperson Major Tar PhonnKyaw.

“A battle has broken out every day here (Northern Shan State) after five days of relative quiet. The battles are occurring in different parts: today in Pannkapound between Kutkai and Minepaw, and twice yesterday in Pannlong village in Nanshan Township.We will use guerrilla tactics if the government troops try their movement here. Now the government is increasing their battalions and are setting up posts for battle” he said.

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Government troops launched an attack on the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) with military helicopters. The attack was carried out in Pannwar Township in the eastern region of Kachin State, according to KIA spokesperson U Lah Nan.

“Yesterday (Dec.4), 7 government helicopters came. Among them 5 helicopters were carrying the weapons, rations, soldiers and food. They carried the soldiers who were injured on their return. Another 2 helicopters were looking for KIA battalions. They shot 2 rounds at KIA positions,” he said.

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