Myanmar soldiers and Arakan Army troops exchanged fire for four hours Monday morning near Ohn Chaung village in Rakhine state’s Rathedaung township, with soldiers returning with border guards later in the day to search homes, RFA reported quoting residents.

Fighting between the two forces has intensified in northern Rakhine following deadly coordinated attacks by Arakan fighters on police outposts in neighbouring Buthidaung township on Jan. 4, though it remains unclear what prompted the skirmish in Ohn Chaung village.

About 13 civilians have been injured in hostilities between government forces and the AA since early January, locals said. The total number of casualties from both sides could not be confirmed, the report noted.