Myanmar: Dozens of soldiers killed in clashes with militant groups hinh anh 1Relief camp in China swells as thousands flee conflict in Myanmar (Photo: dhakatribune.com)

Hanoi (VNA) – Dozens of Myanmar soldiers lost their lives in clashes with militant groups along the border with China, reported Myanmar state-run daily, the Global New Light on March 14.

There were at least 48 armed clashes between the military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), resulting in the deaths of dozens of soldiers.
The clashes took place at the area where government troops ran clearance operations from March 6 – 12.

Last week, the government said five civilians and five police were killed and 20 bodies of MNDAA gunmen were discovered after the militant group attacked Laukkai town in Kokang, the north-eastern Shan State bordering China, on March 6. 

The Myanmar State’s Counsellor Office on March 11 announced to impose curfew which took effect from 9pm to 6am local time in two townships of Laukkai and Gongyang in Kokang. 

MNDAA is a part of the Northern Alliance – a coalition of rebel groups comprising one of Myanmar’s most powerful militias, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and two smaller groups that have been in a stand-off with the Myanmar military since clashes in the Kokang area in 2015.

More than 20,000 people from Myanmar have crossed China’s border in recent weeks to escape from the clashes, prompting China to call for ceasefire between conflict sides to maintain peace and stability in the border region.-VNA
VNA