Thirteen clashes reportedly have broken out between Myanmar’s junta and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) during August and the tensions remain high in Kutkai and Muse townships, northern Shan State.
“There were 13 clashes in August and all because of massive advances by the military into our territory,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tar Aik Kyaw from the TNLA.
A junta convoy triggered a TNLA landmine on the road between Nam Taung and Pan Kyone villages in Muse Township near the Chinese border on Sunday and the TNLA ambushed the convoy, according to residents.
Residents said about 60 junta troops and Lone Htan militia allies came from the Muse border trade zone to destroy the road between the villages and at least five troops were killed and seven injured.
Lieutenant Colonel Tar Aik Kyaw of the TNLA could not confirm the casualties on both sides. He said the junta destroyed the road on August 15 but the TNLA repaired it only for the regime to try to destroy it again on Sunday.
“We have no idea why the junta wants to destroy it as it just makes life difficult for residents. As they attempted to destroy it again, we had no choice but to attack them,” the colonel said.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
Analysts predict more clashes in northern Shan amid repeated junta deployments.
On Saturday the TNLA ambushed a junta convoy of about 20 trucks traveling from Kutkai to Thenni townships.
The regime attacked a TNLA base near Lashio town with an MI-35 helicopter on August 10 and a clash broke out at Mine Yu village near Kutkai town after a junta offensive.
On Monday Light Infantry Division 99 and the TNLA clashed at Kho Mone village between Muse and Kutkai with fighting still ongoing.
Residents said junta bases in Muse are shelling villages, killing civilians.
