Rival ethnic Shan armed groups the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) and Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) clashed recently in Kyethi Township in central Shan State, as long-running territorial disputes continue to cause military tensions between the two groups, according to the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the SSA-N’s political wing.
The SSA-N is also fighting the Myanmar military in Momeik Township in northern Shan State. Fighting broke out on September 17 when around 80 junta troops advanced to Mt. Hui Kham in the east of Momeik. Seven junta soldiers were killed and at least five others were injured in two days of fighting, according to the SSPP.
The clashes came after the SSPP refused a junta order to withdraw its fighters from Momeik, said the SSPP.
Junta forces and SSA-N fighters are still deployed in the township and tensions remain high, added the SSPP in a statement. The Irrawaddy was unable to contact an SSPP spokesperson for a comment.