Briefs, January 1, 2013
The government and ethnic Kachin rebels are blaming each other for a surge in fighting in northern Myanmar, with the government denying it carried out air attacks on rebel-held territory. President's office director Major Zaw Htay said yesterday that helicopters and jets alleged by the Kachin to have carried out attacks in recent days were supplying government units whose access to supplies by road had been cut off by the Kachin Independence Army. The government says the surge in fighting followed the December 24 destruction of a power pylon by the rebels.
YANGON - The government and ethnic Kachin rebels are blaming each other for a surge in fighting in northern Myanmar, with the government denying it carried out air attacks on rebel-held territory. President's office director Major Zaw Htay said yesterday that helicopters and jets alleged by the Kachin to have carried out attacks in recent days were supplying government units whose access to supplies by road had been cut off by the Kachin Independence Army. The government says the surge in fighting followed the December 24 destruction of a power pylon by the rebels. AP
MANILA - Philippine officials reported more injuries from fireworks as emergency services braced for a night of dangerous merrymaking to usher in the new year. Injuries linked to firecrackers have risen to 186 since the Christmas weekend, including 33 with eye injuries and six cases of amputation, the health department said. The number stood at 171 on Sunday. AFP