Myanmar gov't forces clash with armed group

Myanmar's government forces have clashed with a small remnant armed group, the Klohtoobaw Karen Organization (KKO), during a search operation in Kawkareik, southeastern Kayin state over the last two days, an official report said Wednesday.

The government forces, along with its border guard force, came under fierce attack by heavy weapon fired from the KKO, in the urban ward of Kawkareik when they were patrolling after reopening two roads occupied by the ethnic group.

During the fighting, the government forces seized arms and ammunition from the KKO, arresting two of its members.

The KKO, led by Kyaw Thet and Saw Hsan Aung, placed toll gates on the Kawkareik-Myawaddy New Asian Highway, restricting access in defiance of local government instruction to desist.

Since fighting erupted between the government forces and the small armed group earlier this month, the government forces have been able to clear the Myawaddy-Kawkareik road section of the new Asia highway which is scheduled to commission this month.

During that fighting, shell from the armed group's heavy weapon fell on a basic education high school, while two buildings in a rubber plantation owned by the government were set on fire.

The Myawaddy-Kawkareik road of the New Asian Highway was built with the aim of facilitating the flow of commodity in border areas, promotion of links between regional countries and boosting tourism. Endi