Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Renewed fighting broke out between Burmese government troops and the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) in Kesi in northern Shan State on Monday morning.

Around 100 troops from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 513 based in Pang Long clashed with the SSA-N, following an earlier engagement on Sunday involving about 100 soldiers from LIB 12 and SSA-N troops near Ho Nam in Kesi Township.

Casualties reports on both sides were not available.

According to a SSA-N source, after the clash the Burmese junta  dispatched reinforcements from LIBs 516, 248 and 64 based  in Mong Kung, Laika and Mong Nawng townships. Kesi is near Mong Hsu, which is a well-known area for ruby mines.

LIBs191 and 290, based near Lashio, were also sent into the area after the fighting broke out. About 600 Burmese troops are now in the area, sources said.