Soldier, civilian killed in armed attack on convoys in N. Myanmar

Armed groups launched attacks on Myanmar government's military convoys over the last two days, killing one soldier and one civilian, an official media reported Friday.

The alliance of Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) detonated two remotely-controlled mines Wednesday evening on Lashio-Muse highway in Hsenwi town, northern Shan state.

A driver and a military officer were killed in the attack.

On the same day, KIA also ambushed a military convoy in Kutkai town, injuring two civilians on a truck as part of the convoy. The armed groups retreated after the government troops returned fire, the report said.

Moreover, a combined force of KIA and TNLA with some 85 fighters attacked the government troops based near Panwa village in Shan state, from two separate places on Wednesday.

Military conflicts erupted in border area of northern Shan state on Nov. 20 after an alliance of the armed groups launched attacks on government's military outposts and police stations in Muse and Kutkai towns as well as a border trade zone.

The armed clashes have continued, forcing about 14,000 local people to flee across border to neighboring China.

However, since last weekend, about 253 displaced households have returned home through Mongko border gate, said the army office. Endit