Fighting has been raging in Kayah state in Myanmar since Thursday, when government troops launched ground and air attacks on rebel forces in the Demoso Township, forcing 117 Karenni to seek refuge in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province.

Informed sources in the Karenni Army said that the attacks were launched after more than 1,500 additional troops were dispatched to the frontline by Myanmar’s military in their attempt to capture the Demoso Township.

Myanmar’s air force has launched numerous air strikes against suspected rebel positions and civilian targets in a village north of Demoso.

No reports are available about the casualties among the rebel or Myanmar forces, but the sources say that rebels from the People’s Defence Force (PDF) have been sent from Loikaw Township to help the Karenni Army in their defence of Demoso.

Currently, there are more than 8,900 Karenni refugees taking shelter in Mae Hong Son.