Fierce fighting raged on Saturday about 30km from the Thai border with Myanmar, between Myanmar ground forces, supported by air strikes, and Karenni rebel forces.

Three Myanmar jets were deployed to bomb the Karenni Army (KA) and Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) bases.

Two Karenni soldiers were killed and seven seriously injured. The seriously injured were taken across the border into Thailand for treatment.

It is also reported that 12 Myanmar soldiers were killed and many more injured when bombs were mistakenly dropped on them by their own aircraft.

During fighting yesterday (Saturday), troops from the Karen National Union were deployed to support the Karenni forces.

Myanmar’s military command has reportedly ordered its troops to seize the rebel strongholds and to try to recapture seven 120mm mortars and more than 12,000 rounds of 120mm ammunition, which were seized by the Karenni rebel forces after they took a Myanmar forces camp.

About 300 Myanmar troops have managed to cross the Salween River, opposite Khun Yuam district of Thailand’s Mae Hong Son, and another battalion of some 300 troops are poised to cross the river as they advance upon the Karenni forces.

The sound of explosions from the fighting yesterday could be clearly heard by Thai villagers living near the border in Khun Yuam district, forcing many of them to take shelter at home and refrain from venturing near the border.

According to the border command centre in Mae Hong Son, 3,886 Karenni refugees are taking shelter in five temporary refugee camps in Mueang, Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam districts.