Afghan and coalition security forces detained two Taliban leaders following joint military operations in Kandahar and Ghazni provinces of Afghanitan.

According to a statement released by International Security Assistance Force, Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province. The leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district. During the operation, the security force detained multiple insurgents and confiscated bomb making materials.

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Shan State Army (SSA) ‘North’ units operating around its former HQ Hsengkeow in Hsipaw township have been ordered to withdraw by the Burma Army’s Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command on Tuesday, 24 April, according to SSA sources.

The withdrawal order was relayed to the SSA liaison office in Lashio, Shan State North capital, by Chief of Staff Col Win Thein. “He said if we were unable to pull out, the next best alternative would be not to be seen wearing uniforms and carrying arms.”

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Afghanistan’s Taliban said they launched a spring offensive on Sunday with multiple attacks against Western embassies in the central diplomatic area and at parliament in Kabul, with heavy explosions, rockets and gunfire rattling the city.

The assault, one of the most serious on the capital since U.S.-backed Afghan forces removed the Taliban from power in 2001, highlighted the ability of militants to strike the heavily guarded diplomatic zone even after more than 10 years of war.

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A one-hour shootout took place in Shan State South, when Burma Army troops attacked a small outpost of the Shan State Army (SSA) North on the Nampang, a tributary of the Salween, on Wednesday, 21 March, according to an SSA source.

“They retreated with casualties (we don’t know how many),” said the SSA officer. “The outpost was reinforced afterward.”

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A BREAKAWAY group of the Karen National Union last week signed a preliminary peace agreement in Nay Pyi Taw.

The KNU/KNLA Peace Council, led by General Saw Htay Maung, signed the deal with U Aung Thaung and the union-level peace negotiating team at Amara Hotel on February 7.

About 20 members of the breakaway group, including senior officials, a medical officer, security members and four journalists arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on February 6. They held a preliminary meeting with the government team that day before signing the six-point agreement on February 7.

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