Myanmar, Karen forces clash

Myanmar government forces and the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) resumed fighting yesterday after a ceasefire negotiation among ethnic Karen leaders failed, said an army source along the ThaiMyanmar border in Tak’s Mae Sot district.

The DKBA yesterday opened fire on the Myanmar government army, 15 kilometres away from the Thai border opposite Tak’s Tha Song Yang district after negotiations between Karen leaders and the DKBA on Sunday failed to result in a truce.

On Wednesday, the Karen Border Guard Force (KBGF), an ally of the Myanmar government, called for reinforcements to fight the DKBA, the source said.

Three lorries carrying the KBGF soldiers were deployed to attack the DKBA’s military base at Ban Kokko in Myanmar, sources said.

Clashes between the government troops and the DKBA erupted last Thursday on the new Myawaddy–Kawkareik Asia Highway, 28km from the Thai-Myanmar border opposite Mae Sot district.

The military offensive halted to allow for talks between the government forces and the DKBA mediated by the Karen leaders.

The leaders wanted to secure a ceasefire in their hostilities to prevent adverse effects on border trade and security.

Meanwhile, Gen Nerdah Bo Mya, leader of the Karen National Defence Organisation, said Karen troops on the DKBA’s side will gather to fight back against the government.

He said if the government battles against the DKBA, it means war for every ethnic Karen group as well.