Myanmar gov't forces claims capture of some Kokang army bases

Myanmar government forces had claimed capture of some military bases of the Kokang ethnic army in five engagements over the weekend after air strikes, an official report said on Monday.

Some bases of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army on hills in the vicinity of the 18th mile junction on the Laukkai- Kongyan road have been occupied by the government forces after fighting on Saturday and Sunday, said the report.

During the battle, four government soldiers were killed with 21 others injured, while the Kokang army left three bodies and some small arms and ammunition.

A journalist and three civilians were wounded following an attack by the Kokang army on a car flying red cross flag on its way to Kunlong from Laukkai on Saturday evening.

Transportation has returned to normal as the main sections of the road have come under the control of the government forces.

Myanmar government forces have vowed to continue measures to ensure security and stability in Kokang region trapped in armed clashes.

During the fighting in the past few days, the government side lost 54 of its soldiers with 105 others being wounded while about 72 of Kokang army soldiers died.

Heavy fighting first broke out on Feb. 9 between the two sides in Kokang region and as the clashes escalated the Myanmar government declared a state of emergency in Kokang region on Feb. 17. Endi