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Fresh clashes displace hundreds in Myanmar

At least 1,000 flee homes as armed ethnic groups look to repel military offensive
Fresh clashes displace hundreds in Myanmar

An ethnic Kachin woman is seen here in a Karuna-run internally displaced people camp in Namkham township, northern Shan State in early 2017. Karuna is the name for Caritas in Myanmar. (Photo supplied by Karuna Lashio)

Published: January 04, 2018 05:23 AM GMT
Updated: January 04, 2018 05:26 AM GMT

More than 1,000 people have fled their homes and taken refuge in temporary shelters following renewed fighting in conflict-torn Kachin and Shan states.

At least 900 people from northern Shan State and more than 100 in Kachin State have been displaced according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Jan.2.

Myanmar’s military went on the offensive in both states in early December prompting several clashes with ethnic armed groups such as the Kachin Independence Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Shan State Army.

Clashes continue to plague many ethnic-minority states in Myanmar, particularly in the country's northern, mainly Christian, Kachin State. This conflict has spread into the northern part of neighboring Shan State.

Since hostilities resumed in 2011, following the break down of a 17-year ceasefire, more than 120,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and remain in internally displaced people camps.

Suu Kyi pledged to end various decades-long armed conflicts in the country but peace remains elusive and renewed clashes have undermined her peace initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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