At least six people have been killed in a deadly clash between government security forces and Shan State Army soldiers in southeast Burma on 9 July.

The clash occurred on Taunggyi-Loilem road, after Shan fighters encountered a prison van carrying prisoners to Taung Lay Lone jail in Taungggyi township from Panglong police station.

The clash intensified after the police were joined by soldiers from Light Infantry Division 513 based in nearby Mong Pawn, and police chief of Panglong, two prisoners, the van driver and two soldiers were killed during the clash, according to local people.

An SSA officer confirmed report of the clash but gave different figures on casualty.

“It is correct that the clash occurred. Nine died from the government side and two from the SSA. I can’t give details yet.”

There have been clashes since early this year between Burmese troops and Wan Hai based SSA soldiers who refused to be transformed into members of so-called border guard force.

In northeast Burma, despite negotiations for a new ceasefire, sporadic clashes continue to occur between Burmese troops and soldiers of Kachin Independence Army which also refuses to turn itself into the BGF.