An estimated 14 junta soldiers were reportedly killed in shootouts with the Karenni Army (KA) and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) in Kayah State this week.
On Wednesday afternoon, civilian resistance fighters and troops from the KNDF and KA, the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party, ambushed around 120 troops from the 66th Division in the west of Demoso Township.
The KNDF said junta troops were preparing raids in Hpruso Township.
Three junta soldiers were killed and others injured while no casualties were reported by the ethnic armed groups.
Villagers have fled their homes because of the clashes, according to the KNDF.
Four shootouts between junta forces and the combined KA and KNDF occurred in Hpruso and Bawlakhe townships on Tuesday.
The heaviest fighting took place near Htar Lal village in Hpruso Township when the KA and KNDF ambushed around 27 military trucks carrying soldiers.
Three vehicles burned after triggering landmines.
At least 11 junta soldiers were killed and at least 20 injured, the KNDF said.
The Irrawaddy could not independently confirm the military casualties.
The KNDF said troops tortured villagers and looted Nan Hpe village in Bawlakhe Township after being attacked by Karenni forces in the township.
The regime is attacking Karenni forces in Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, Bawlakhe and Hpasawng townships.
The regime have carried out airstrikes against civilian targets after suffering heavy losses in the state. More than 100,000 Kayah residents were displaced in June by the fighting.
“We will not allow the military into Karenni Army-controlled areas. We will fight to force the troops out,” a KA representative told The Irrawaddy on Thursday.
Armed resistance against the junta started in Kayah State in late May.
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