Burma-Myanmar: Fighting erupts in border town between army and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) faction
Gunfire and explosions have been ringing out this morning from Burma’s border town of Myawaddy after key administrative and military positions were yesterday taken by a Karen army faction.
Burmese soldiers launched an assault on Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) troops, and fighting continues at the time of writing. This morning a grenade landed across the border in Thailand’s Mae Sot, reportedly kiling one and leaving three injured. The main road in Mae Sot that leads to the border has been closed.
“The fighting is really intense now – about five or six people have been killed from heavy weapons’ fire,” said a Myawaddy resident. “We heard the DKBA troops are entering Myawaddy town through Ward 5 [close to the Moei river].”
Reports are emerging that two trishaw drivers close to the Myawaddy market were also killed in the crossfire.
Many locals are said to be fleeing into Thailand after hearing rumours that Burmese troops were recruiting civilians to fight.
“The Burmese army is recruiting porters in our area. We are preparing to flee as there are only male in our family,” said one woman. “My husband said he saw two people hit by an [artillery] shell. He wasn’t sure whether they died or not.”