Fightings keep on in Myanmar's Kokang region

YANGON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fightings kept on in Myanmar's Kokang ethnic region or Shan State Special Region-1 in the northeastern part of the country Saturday, with exchange of fire between the Kokang ethnic army and the government forces, said reports reaching here from the border area.

The armed clashes between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), led by Phone Kyar Shin (Peng Jiashen), and the government forces took place in several locations, but with unknown casualties, the sources said.

The situation in the Kokang battlefield still remained tense with main roads leading to Kokang sealed by the government forces, the sources added.

The armed clashes formally began on Thursday with three battles taking place in the Kokang region.

The MNDAA, formerly led by Phone Kyar Shin, ceasefired with the government on March 31, 1989, but was allowed to retain arms and establish the northern Shan state special region-1, enjoying self-administration on condition.

Kokang region is located in Myanmar's northeastern part connecting China's Yunnan province, with a population of about 150,000.