Thousands shelter in monastery as Myanmar battles rebels

LASHIO: Fugitives from the escalating violence gripping northern Myanmar described fleeing airstrikes and gun battles between the army and ethnic rebels, as the country’s president vowed “not to lose an inch” of territory.

Clashes between Myanmar’s army and Kokang rebels in northeastern Shan state have uprooted tens of thousands in the past week, with Beijing saying it has stepped up its border controls after some 30,000 fled into southwestern Yunnan province.