At least three dead in clashes in Myanmar

  • 11 years ago
At least three people are killed and another six seriously injured in a series of attacks by the military in northern Myanmar.

They are the first reported civilian deaths since fighting between the military and the Kachin Independence Army intensified last month.

Video obtained by the Democratic Voice of Burma shows people trying to help the wounded.

Local reports say a 15-year old boy is among the dead and a two-year old is among the injured.

The Kachin army is one of the country's largest and most powerful rebel groups and has repeatedly clashed with government authorities.

The army is now holding peace talks with the government -- but that has not stopped the fighting.

The conflict between is one of the biggest tests for Myanmar's reform efforts. It comes as Peter Maurer, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross is making a landmark visit to the country.

Maurer said in a statement that the government has signaled its readiness to discuss a number of humanitarian issues.

Western countries suspended most sanctions against Myanmar after the new government took power in March 2011 following decades of military rule.

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