Myanmar Rebels Retreat from Key Border Town after Junta Counteroffensive
A Myanmar rebel group, the Karen National Union (KNU), has withdrawn its troops from the town of Myawaddy along the Thai border after a counteroffensive by the ruling junta's soldiers.
The junta regained control of the key trading post, which is a conduit for foreign trade worth over $1 billion annually.
The KNU's armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, plans to destroy the junta troops but did not reveal their next move.
Fighting between the rebels and government troops had forced over 3,000 civilians to flee on Saturday.
Thailand announced an improvement in the situation at the border with Myanmar on Wednesday, with most civilians having returned and only 650 still displaced.
Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura expressed hope to re-open the border crossing, which has been affected by the crisis.
He mentioned possible negotiations between rival Myanmar groups but gave no further details.
Thailand also suggested to ASEAN, represented by Laos, that it could host a meeting to resolve the Myanmar crisis.