Fighting continues in Pekon Township, southern Shan State, following the death of at least eight junta soldiers over the weekend.
Myanmar’s junta retaliated with artillery, helicopters and two jet fighters on Sunday, according to 1008 Battalion of the civilian National Unity Government’s Central Region Command.
On Sunday morning four junta soldiers, reportedly including a major, were killed, said 1008 Battalion’s spokesman.
He said the 1008 Battalion commander, a defector who had joined the civil disobedience movement, was killed in the fighting and another was severely injured.
People’s defense forces (PDFs) and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Forces attacked junta troops advancing from Saung Nan Khe village in Nyaung Shwe Township last Friday.
On Thursday at least 15 junta soldiers were killed during fighting in Hti Yi village about 15km from Saung Nan Khe.
Fighting has spilled into Shan State from the resistance stronghold of Kayah State.
The Central Region Command said on Monday that four junta soldiers were killed by mines laid by 1008 Battalion and Inle PDF on Saturday.
The resistance group on Monday urged civilians to shelter as fighting could restart at any time.
Thousands of civilians from 35 villages in Pekon have been displaced by fighting since last year, according to a resident.
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