Fighting has broken out at three locations, according to sources in the area.

Residents of Muse Township in northern Shan State have reported heavy fighting in the area between Burmese government troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The clashes began around 10:30 this morning and continued until 4pm, local sources told KNG.

According to an officer from the KIA’s Brigade 6, the two sides started exchanging fire after government forces launched a military operation near Dima, where the KIA's Battalion 9, under Brigade 6, is based.

“There were battles at two or three places near the village of Manjang, not far from the Dima base. The fighting started when they entered our area,” the officer said.

Fighting was reported near Manjang, Daknai in Kutkai Township, and Man Nawng Kawng near Mungbaw village. According to the KIA officer, the clashes at Man Nawng Kawng were between government troops and the KIA’s Battalion 36.

The fighting comes as the KIA’s political wing, the Kachin Independence Organization, is preparing to hold talks with the government’s National Reconciliation and Peace Center together with other armed groups before April 30.