Heavy fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and anti-regime forces in Demoso Township, Kayah State, at about 10 a.m. on December 31.

Clashes erupted between a coalition of Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and People’s Defence Force – Demoso soldiers, and junta troops at the township police station near Ngwe Taung Dam in Demoso, and the Myanmar military sent reinforcements to the area, an official from the coalition told DMG.

“We launched an attack on the township police station near Ngwe Taung Dam. We clashed with LIB [Light Infantry Battalion] 427, stationed near the dam, and the military council sent about 100 reinforcements to the area,” the official added.

The military fired at least 50 artillery shells and conducted airstrikes at about 3:30 p.m. during Friday’s fighting, according to sources on the ground.

An official from the KNDF said the shelling had caused significant damage to the KNDF, including casualties, with the military also suffering losses.

“There are casualties on both sides because there was heavy fighting. The details of the casualties are still unknown,” the official added.

Many Demoso Township residents have fled to the nearby mountains due to the hostilities.

Fighting was also reported in Demoso Township last month, and in November.

Caption: Hostilities were reported between a Karenni coalition and junta troops in Demoso Township on December 25, 2021.