The Burmese army has continued operations to secure Karen State stretches of the Asian Highway, with the aid of local militias.<br /> <br />Fighting has continued for close to a week, as rebels from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army refused to give up lucrative illegal toll gates on the new highway.<br /> <br />Troops from the local Border Guard Force have moved along the closed road, forcing DKBA rebels from their positions.<br /> <br />Intermittent skirmishes mean the UN-backed Asian Highway has stayed closed, ahead of a ceremonial opening that had been planned for later this month.
