Four soldiers of the Burmese Army were killed and seven injured when it exchanged gunfire with the KNLA in Hlaing Bwe Township in Karen State yesterday, sources in the KNLA brigade no. 7 told KIC.

KNLA's battalion no. 21 and company no. 2 of the Burmese Army’s LIB 343 under MOC 19 clashed around 10 am, Maj. Saw El Sel Sel from KNLA brigade no. 7 said.

"We exchanged gunfire in Kyaw Talay Kho around 10 am. Four soldiers of the Burmese Army were killed and seven wounded. Among the dead were a lieutenant, a sergeant and a corporal. Nobody was hurt on our side," he added.

KNLA battalion no. 21 fought gun battles with the Border Guard Force  (BGF 1019) led by Maj. Lik Theint in Pai Kyon township on September 17. One BGF 1019 soldier was killed. On September 18 and 19, KNLA fought gun battles in the area with BGF 1015 led by Maj. Win Hlaing. One soldier from BGF was killed and one injured, Maj. Saw El Sel Sel said.

"They become powerful if they combine BGF battalion nos. 1011 to 1023. Some Burmese Army's columns follow the BGF forces. They are working to a plan to attack the KNLA and at the same time test the BGF forces, transformed from the DKBA," Maj. Saw Hla Ngwe, associate secretary 1 of KNU, said.

Besides, the Election Commission has announced dissolution of polling stations in this area. So, more gun battles in KNU, (political wing of the KNLA)  areas are likely because the Burmese Army is pushing the BGF to fight, Maj. Saw Hla Ngwe added.