BGF clashes with Kachin and Karen rebels

20 August 2013: Military attacks erupted between the government-backed Border Guard Force (BGF) and ethnic armed groups in Kachin and Karen States last week.

The fighting broke out after BGF members in Kachin State attacked KIA (Kachin Independence Army) bases in Pangwa region, according to media reports.

Two separate clashes took place on Saturday and yesterday in Kachin State after the attack was launched against KIA battalion by BGF members together with Burma Army soldiers, according to KNG (Kachin News Group).

The Kachin BGF, whose members formerly belonged to the New Democratic Army – Kachin (NDA-K), is a militia group under control of the Burma Army forces, according to a spokesperson from KIO.

In Karen State, soldiers from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) clashed with government-backed Karen BGF members early morning last Friday.

Leaders of the two sides are claimed to be meeting soon in order to find a solution to the conflict, according to sources.

Casualties have been reported but the number of those killed in the clashes is still unconfirmed.

KNU signed a ceasefire agreement with the government last year.

Heavy fighting broke out between Burma Army and KIA in 2011 after 17 years of ceasefire. In recent months, KIA held meetings with Burma’s peace delegation.#