Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 1 November

Fighting broke out between the Arakan Army (AA) and military forces on November 1 near Muse, a town on the China-Myanmar border in northern Shan State, local sources report.

A resident said military forces started an attack around 7:00 am today near Mant Mai village in Muse, leading to clashes with AA fighters.

"Fighting started about 7 am near Mant Mai cemetery, where AA troops from the Three Brotherhood Alliance were positioned. I heard artillery and gunfire from that area. There were reports of military casualties, and the AA apparently captured some weapons," a Muse military source said.

Mant Mai village, about a mile south of Muse, hosts several ethnic armed groups, residents say.

Various allied groups are based along Mant Mai village, including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakan Army (AA), and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), among others. A Muse trader explained the recent clash happened in an area where AA troops are based, causing fighting between the AA and military.

"The military advanced on Mant Mai cemetery. Knowing China pressured resistance groups, the military attacked to gain an advantage, sparking the clash. Casualty numbers are unknown, and I'm not sure how things will develop. This will also hurt business," he said.

He added the military is trying to provoke conflict by taking advantage of ethnic armed groups not attacking Muse, which remains under military control due to pressure from China.

Since Operation 1027 began, the Northern Alliance has surrounded Muse, a key border trading town with China.

Currently, border trade in Muse is suspended due to ongoing fighting and transport disruptions, forcing some businesses to close.

On October 15 night, clashes broke out between the MNDAA and military forces near Nam Hkoke village, about 3 miles from Muse.