Gov't forces take over militants' stronghold in northern Myanmar

Myanmar's government forces have occupied Gidon Outpost, a stronghold of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), in a clearance attack on Saturday, the official paper Global New Light of Myanmar reported Sunday.

The government troops managed to take over the outpost at 2:05 a.m. local time (1935 GMT Friday) and the headquarters on Point 1103 Hill at 2:15 a.m. (1945 GMT) amid fierce resistance from the KIA, the report said.

During the crossfire, both sides suffered heavy casualties, it said, adding that the government troops were still carrying out area clearance operation nearby.

Meanwhile, two explosions hit Kyaukme District Police Headquarters in northern Shan State on Saturday afternoon, blowing out windows but causing no injuries.

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

Sporadic clashes between government troops and the three armed groups -- Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), have continued up to date. Endit