Yangon, April 16 (IANS): Security forces have recaptured three key areas in Myanmar's conflict-hit Kokang region during a series of fightings since April 5, media reported on Thursday.
The fightings first broke out between the government forces and the ethnic rebel group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kokang on February 9.
The conflicts occurred mainly in the cities of Laukkai, Koneyan, and Yan Lone Kyaine. As a result, thousands of people fled to Lashio, a city in Shan state bordering China.
Since April 5, the forces have seized a huge amount of weapons and ammunition and a total of 16 soldiers have been killed with 110 others wounded, Xinhua news agency reported citing a report by Myawaddy TV.
According to unofficial statistics, 128 security personnel have died, while the MNDAA has lost 106 of its members.
Peace negotiators of the government and ethnic armed groups concluded talks over a draft nationwide cease-fire agreement on March 30 and the draft accord was preliminarily signed in Yangon on March 31.
The document will be signed formally after the approval of the top leadership of all sides concerned.