The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) claimed to have defeated Myanmar regime forces during a clash in Muse Township, northern Shan State, on Wednesday.
Over six hours of clashes broke out near Nar Htan and Gaung Yar villages in Muse near the Chinese border on Wednesday when four junta battalions and pro-regime militias attempted to raid TNLA bases, the ethnic minority group said.
The powerful TNLA has been fighting for autonomy for the ethnic Palaung or Ta’ang people in northern Shan State.
The regime troops retreated after suffering heavy losses, it said.
The TNLA claimed 10 regime soldiers were killed and 13 injured.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
The group submitted photos of seized regime weapons and a large quantity of ammunition.
Citing residents, Shan News reported that two civilians suffered injuries in shelling during Wednesday’s clash. Over 200 residents fled their homes, it said.
The TNLA said nine clashes with regime forces broke out in the area between July 23 to August 2, in which 25 regime soldiers were killed and 27 injured, while a junta soldier was detained alive.
The rebel group did not reveal its own losses.
