“The Tatmadaw re-launched a military offensive against the KIA’s 14th battalion in the Tanai area on March 5. That’s why fighting is breaking out nearly every day in this 14th battalion [area],” said Col Naw Bu, information officer of the KIO.

Col. Naw Bu said fighting has been escalating.

“Ground offensives and clashes with the firing of heavy artilleries are taking place. Fighting is escalating. They [the Tatmadaw] are continuing to advance in the amber and gold mine areas so fighting may escalate in this area,” he said.

"They have been clashing for three or four days now. We can even hear the sounds from Tanai during both day and night,” said a Tanai resident.

According to the KIO, no big clashes have been fought in Sumprabum area but there have been some skirmishes.

“The Tatmadaw’s military columns have been launching an offensive along Sumprabum and Putao road. Many Tatmadaw vehicles went up there yesterday. Fighting may break out anytime in that area since they brought their machines along. No big clashes have taken place in that area so far, but [the KIA] is on alert. The rest of the areas are somewhat stable, said Col. Naw Bu.

While the Tatmadaw has been fighting against the KIA in recent days, it also fought with the Karen National Union (KNU), which has signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

Col. Naw Bu said the KIO has set down decisions to meet and negotiate with the government even though they are still fighting.

“According to the policy, there is a plan to meet [with the government], but I haven’t heard anything about when they will meet with who practically,” he added.

The KIO said the government has not given any responds on the issue of continuing the dialogue after the KIO and the Tatmadaw delegation met in Dali of Yunnan Province in China on February 1.

Fighting resumed between the KIA and the Tatmadaw in 2011. Despite making attempts to obtain peace, clashes continue to break out.