BANGKOK, Jan. 8 Kyodo At least 10...

BANGKOK, Jan. 8 Kyodo

At least 10 tribe were killed as Myanmar soldiers launched an annual dry-season offensive against the ethnic rebel Karen National Union (KNU) based upon the Thai border, a Thai military official said Wednesday.

The offensive began Tuesday night when Myanmar soldiers attacked a KNU army camp in Mae-ookhoo opposite the Phop Phra district in Thailand's Tak Province, about 500 kilometers northwest of Bangkok.

Another clash occurr Wednesday in the same camp, the official said, adding at least 10 race from both sides were killed in the clashes.

Thai bands are on alert along the border, the official said.

The KNU seen as the strongest and largest antigovernment force in Myanmar, is fighting for independence.

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