YANGON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,000 people are seeking shelter in the Muse Chamber of Commerce in Muse following the outbreak of armed clashes last weekend in Myanmar northern state.
The refugees, including local people, workers from across the country, some government employees, drivers and travelers staying in Muse, fled to the chamber office by all means of transport, according to local media Wednesday.
Helped by Muse social associations, red cross and health staff, the refugees are being partly moved to some monasteries and schools in the border town.
Due to the armed conflicts, which have lasted for three consecutive days, border gates, banks, shops, clinics, company offices, trading centers, warehouses and resident houses have been closed, said the media.
Military conflicts broke out in border area of northern Myanmar's Shan state early Sunday morning with an alliance of three non-ceasefire signatory ethnic armed groups launching simultaneous and surprise attacks on government's military outposts and police stations in Muse and Kutkai townships as well as a border trade zone in Muse.
The three armed groups are Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
Their attacks targeted government military outposts and police stations in as many areas as in Muse, Kutkai, Monekoe, Kyukoke, Phangsai, Pangsang, Manken and Kyinsankyawk (Honang).
