Fighting on April 4 between coalition forces of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the Myanmar military along the Asia Highway in Kayin State, resulted in the destruction of some passing vehicles, locals said.

At least two vehicles caught fire after a clash erupted on Monday morning near Taw Naw waterfall, on the main Myawaddy-Kawkareik road, which is part of what is known as the Asia Highway.

The area is controlled by the Karen National Union’s Brigade 6, according to sources on the ground. The Karen National Union (KNU) is the political wing of the KNLA.

“The fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and [its allied] Border Guard Force, and the KNLA along the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Highway this morning. So far, there have been reports of heavy artillery fire from the Myanmar military,” said a resident of Myawaddy town.

Cargo trucks and passenger buses have since had difficulty transiting the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Highway, said one driver plying a route between Yangon and Myawaddy.

“Gunfire can still be heard and vehicles are on fire on the road. Passenger buses and trucks are still stranded on the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Highway. We are monitoring the situation,” the driver added.

Clashes between the KNLA and the Myanmar military and its allied Border Guard Force on the Kawkareik-Myawaddy Asia Highway also caused some civilian vehicles to burn in the last week of March.

The Dooplaya District administration office under the KNU’s Brigade 6 issued a warning letter in March, advising the public not to travel on the Kawkareik-Myawaddy road, the Myawaddy-Wawlay road, and the Phayar Thonesu-Kyainnseikgyi road.