Hundreds of vehicles were trapped along the Asia Highway linking Kawkareik and the border town of Myawaddy in Kayin (Karen) State on October 19 as fighting that first flared on Tuesday night continued the following day.

Junta troops and anti-regime forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) clashed again at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday in close proximity to Taw Naw Waterfall in Myawaddy Township, according to a Myawaddy resident. The fighting has occurred near the Asia Highway, which is the primary trade route for Myanmar’s border commerce with Thailand.

“Vehicles were trapped. We were travelling to Hpa-an [in Kayin State], but we were stuck,” said the resident. A driver also stuck on the Asia Highway reported hearing an exchange of gunfire between KNLA and junta troops.

“I heard artillery shells and gunfire. And I could not drive forward,” said the driver, who was travelling from Yangon to Myawaddy. The KNLA warned road users to exercise caution following this week’s fighting. “People should take cover as we are still fighting. And they should exercise caution driving along the road when

they are allowed to travel,” said a KNLA officer.

Clashes between junta troops and KNLA-led resistance forces were also reported near the Asia Highway in January and March.

Caption: Vehicles were trapped on the Asia Highway due to fighting in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State, this week.