Myawaddy, Feb. 3 -- Myanmar's military has intensified operations against Karen armed groups in Myawaddy Township, along the Thai border, in a bid to establish control over vital trade routes ahead of the planned transition to a post-election administration, according to local residents and armed-group sources.
However, a simultaneous mass influx of junta troops into the township has reportedly sparked tensions with the allied Karen armed groups, leading to intensified fighting between the military and the rebel fighters.
Armed clashes have escalated around Falu, about 16km south of Myawaddy, where hundreds of junta soldiers, backed by airstrikes, are attempting to retake strategic ground between Falu Gyi and Min Let Pan villages.
The ar...