Fighting continues at 2 hilltops in Myanmar's Kokang region

Fighting has continued at two hilltops to the east of Laukkai, capital of Kokang region of Myanmar, over the past two days, as the Kokang ethnic army launched attacks on several columns of the government forces taking security duty, the military-run Myawaddy media reported Tuesday.

The battles took place at Point 1219 and Point 1468 hilltops Sunday evening and Monday morning respectively.

The government forces claimed defeating the defense line of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which the government terms as Kokang renegade group.

During the fighting, two Myanmar military officers were killed with five others being wounded, the report said.

Over last weekend, a Myanmar military convoy was ambushed by the MNDAA near Lonhtan, Laukkai, in which three government troops were injured, while 10 from the MNDAA side died, according to earlier report.

While the military columns are combing Laukkai area, engagements occurred with the MNDAA almost on a daily basis.

Myanmar military also claimed that during its air strike against the Kokang ethnic army over last week, it has captured some more strategic hills in the heavy fighting.

Unconfirmed compiled statistics show that as of now, the government side suffered 84 deaths with 214 wounded, while 98 bodies were seized from the MNDAA with 30 being arrested. Endi