Clashes between Tatmadaw troops and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) flared in three northern Shan State townships on Wednesday, the ethnic armed group has announced.

At around 12:30 p.m., a skirmish erupted in Pangwah village, Namtu Township, followed by another bout of hostilities in Hukin village, Namhsan Township. Fighting also broke out on a mountain range near Lwe Kha Lay village, in Kyaukme Township, at about 5pm, according to the TNLA.

The Tatmadaw’s 88th Light Infantry Division, Infantry Battalion Unit No. 301 and the 77th Light Infantry Division reportedly encroached on locations where TNLA troops were stationed, sparking the latest hostilities. Three members of the Tatmadaw were killed in the fighting near Hukin village, the TNLA said.

The ethnic armed organisation did not report any casualties of its own in the fighting.

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DVB was unable to make contact with relevant representatives from either side of the conflict on Thursday.

Separately, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief reported that an improvised explosive device was detonated on the Pyidaungsu Road in Hsipaw Township on Tuesday evening as a joint team of army and police personnel was conducting security operations in the area.

The blast took place 20 metres from Kholone Bridge, but no casualties were reported. The Office of the Commander-in-Chief’s statement did not assign blame to any specific individual or group.